Steelers’ Damontae Kazee Gives Injury Update
LATROBE — Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee is hopeful he’ll be back on the field before the end of training camp, but for now, he’s letting the training staff direct him through his ankle injury.
Kazee left Day 3 of practice with an ankle injury and is now walking through Saint Vincent in a walking boot. He told media he expects to be "week-to-week" as he recovers, but his main goal is the be ready by Week 1 of the regular season.
"It's frustrating because I love football," Kazee said. "Coach [Mike Tomlin] knows that too. There's no slowing me down, I have one speed out there. I have to tell him, you have to tell me to stop, and it's only the first week of camp. I'm making it to Week 1. At the end of the day, I have to be more careful out there."
Kazee and Keanu Neal have been working as the first team safeties as Minkah Fitzpatrick is out due to personal reasons. This is the first reps they've gotten together in bulk, which Kazee viewed as a great opportunity for the Steelers defense.
"It's been good for us. For me and Keanu Neal," Kazee said. "Certain things I don't do on the football - as in a base defense. I don't get to play in base. So me getting reps in that. I don't want to wish this upon anybody, but if somebody goes down, I have to play base defense too. I think getting those mental reps and all those reps will help me out later on in the season."
Until he's cleared, he'll remain on the sideline at Saint Vincent College, along with a few other players dealing with injuries. He's looking forward to his return, but after missing significant time with an injury last season, he's being cautious to ensure he's not missing regular season play this year.
"I could practice on Tuesday if I wanted to but I have to slow down," Kazee said.
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