Sources: Steelers' Fitzpatrick out multiple weeks

On the time they activated pass-rusher T.J. Watt from injured reserve, the Pittsburgh Steelers mislaid Pro Bowl information Minkah Fitzpatrick for aggregate weeks erstwhile helium was forced to acquisition an appendectomy aft their walk-through signifier Saturday, league sources told ESPN.

Fitzpatrick did not consciousness good astatine practice, and tests revealed that helium needed to acquisition the appendectomy arsenic rapidly arsenic possible, a root said. The Steelers had announced Saturday that Fitzpatrick would miss the Sunday crippled against the New Orleans Saints with appendicitis.

The Steelers are hoping that Fitzpatrick tin marque it backmost arsenic rapidly arsenic possible, but an appendectomy typically results successful a multiweek absence.

Cincinnati Bengals backmost Joe Burrow underwent an appendectomy conscionable earlier grooming campy began this summertime and was sidelined 2½ weeks earlier helium returned to practice.

Along with missing the Saints game, Fitzpatrick is not expected to beryllium acceptable to play adjacent week astatine location against the Bengals, sources said. Perhaps Fitzpatrick could instrumentality the pursuing Monday night, Nov. 28, erstwhile the Steelers play successful Indianapolis, but that seems ambitious and volition beryllium connected the safety's recovery.

Earlier this week, the Steelers activated information Damontae Kazee from injured reserve. They besides activated information Elijah Riley from the signifier squad for the crippled Sunday.

Information from ESPN's Brooke Pryor was utilized successful this report.