Safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick, Trenton Thompson to miss another game for Steelers

Another week, another game without the services of their top four safeties for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson did not practice Friday and were declared out for Sunday’s game at the Seattle Seahawks. That means that for the second consecutive week, the Steelers are likely to start a cornerback (Patrick Peterson) and a practice-squad elevation (Eric Rowe) at safety.

Fitzpatrick will miss a second consecutive game after suffering a knee injury during a Dec. 16 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. Thompson likewise has not played since suffering a neck injury that day. Also during that game, co-starter Damontae Kazee delivered a hit on Michael Pittman Jr. that resulted in Kazee’s ejection and subsequent suspension for the remainder of the regular season.

Keanu Neal, the third co-starter over the first half of the season, remains on injured reserve because of a rib injury and is unlikely to return to action this season.

Thompson indicated his injury involves his arm and perhaps nerve issues.

“I feel OK, but it’s a serious situation and after talking with the doctors and trying to go through this week of practice, my arm is still acting up,” Thompson said, “so I won’t be playing.”

Thompson also said he expects to miss next week’s regular-season finale at the Baltimore Ravens but would target a return for the playoffs if the Steelers qualify.

During last week’s home win against the Cincinnati Bengals, Peterson played safety full-time for the first time in his 13-year NFL career. The 30-year-old Rowe started and played almost every snap less than five weeks after joining the Steelers via the practice squad following 2 ½ months out of football after his release by the Carolina Panthers.

Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (pectoral) also will miss the game in Seattle, as coach Mike Tomlin had previously announced.

Two starters on offense who have been playing through injury for several weeks — running back Najee Harris (knee) and left guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) — were given an official designation of cleared to play against the Seahawks despite missing practice time this week.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle) was listed as questionable and if cleared would serve as the backup to Mason Rudolph against the Seahawks.

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