Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Damontae Kazee was one of the team's more underrated acquisitions made in a busy off-season this year. While Terrell Edmunds held his starting job, Kazee figured to still play a big role in the team's defense as the No. 3 safety. In the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Kazee suffered an unfortunate arm injury that even head coach Mike Tomlin clarified as "severe."
Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Terrell Edmunds (34) reacts after a defensive stop against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
As a result, Kazee was seen as destined for the Injured Reserve. If the team placed him on the IR before the 53-man roster was finalized on Tuesday, that meant his season was over. That didn't happen though, as he was listed on the team's initial 53-man roster. This meant that a return this season was possible, as he only had to miss the first four weeks, at minimum.
Now, Steelers beat reporter, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic has provided some more encouraging news for Kazee. It seems the veteran safety will indeed return to the field this season, even earlier than many expected.
The initial diagnosis for Steelers S Damonte Kazee is out 6 weeks. That would be around Week 4 against the Jets if all goes right.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 31, 2022
Six weeks is pretty much best-case scenario at this point, so that's great news for the black and gold. Again, his importance can't be overstated. He allows defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to do a lot more with the defensive rotations, like having three (or even four) safeties on the field at once. Kazee can even step up into the box, as he's known as a physical presence.
In the meantime, the Steelers now likely won't enter the free agent market for a safety. Jaquiski Tartt seemed like a potential option if Kazee was out for awhile. There were several intriguing options in free agency, but they won't have to do so now. As Kaboly stated, that six-week timeline would put him at a return around Week 5. Week 4 wouldn't be plausible, as Kazee has to miss the first four games.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
If the Steelers want to ride with five safeties, Elijah Riley, who was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets just over a week ago, would likely step into that role. If not, the team would ride with Edmunds, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miles Killebrew, and Tre Norwood as their four safeties until Kazee is back to full health.
How big will Kazee's return be in the defensive lineup? Will the Steelers sign a safety in the meantime? What are your expectations for Kazee once he comes back from injury? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to interact with our social media sites as well!
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