UPDATE: While Kazee is dressed, he hasn’t been a major contributor in practice, per Tim Rice.
After suffering an ankle injury late in practice last week, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee is back and ready to practice today, per Alex Kozora.
Kazee initially called his injury week-to-week, but after getting hurt last Saturday he’s back and ready to go after missing just five practices. He was initially in a walking boot, but it came off last Monday. Kazee’s addition should help relieve some fatigue from Pittsburgh’s safeties, as lines were getting short at the position with him down along with Keanu Neal, who’s still out, and Minkah Fitzpatrick being excused from the team.
Kazee had two interceptions in nine games last season and the ball skills he provides bring a different dynamic than Pittsburgh recently had at the strong safety position with Terrell Edmunds. Edmunds was great in the run game but wasn’t known for his hands. Kazee offers higher upside than Edmunds did in coverage and the ability to provide more splash to Pittsburgh’s defense.
It’s good that his injury didn’t keep him out longer, as the more work he can get in during training camp will obviously benefit him with the season just over a month away. Keeping his conditioning high can allow him to make his presence felt in a big way for a Steelers secondary that could be as talented as it’s been in years.
