Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick speaks on his hit that injured Browns RB Nick Chubb
Following the unfortunate injury to Nick Chubb on Monday Night Football, many folks filled social media with takes that the hit that caused it was dirty. Chubb was hit low by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and the rest was history. Fitzpatrick spoke about the hit for the first time publicly on Thursday. “It’s a […]
Following the unfortunate injury to Nick Chubb on Monday Night Football, many folks filled social media with takes that the hit that caused it was dirty.
Chubb was hit low by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and the rest was history. Fitzpatrick spoke about the hit for the first time publicly on Thursday.
“It’s a tough, tough injury,” said Fitzpatrick to Steelers media member. “Unfortunately, it’s part of the game that we play. I know people think I had ill will behind the tackle. That’s not the case whatsoever.”
Chubb is believed to have suffered a meniscus tear as well as other ligaments torn in his left knee, the same one he blew out in college at Georgia.
“It’s unfortunate. I’m praying for Chubb,” said Fitzpatrick. “I talked to him briefly as he was on the ground and just let him know it wasn’t intentional. I was trying to tackle him and make a football play.”
Chubb is a dynamic runner and one of the best, if not the best in the NFL at running after contract. He’s as tough as it comes to bring down and tackling him is no fun.
“If I tackle a guy like Nick Chubb going full speed downhill and I am stationary, then I am going to get run over and concussed,” explained Fitzpatrick. “Defensive players are people, too. We have to protect ourselves.”
Cleveland is set to roll with Jerome Ford as the feature back and they signed back Kareem Hunt to be his backup. Pierre Strong Jr. is the No. 3 running back and special teams coach Bubba Ventrone mentioned him taking over kick returns possibly.
“I’m a guy that is a competitor that’s going to go out there and play the game. I’m chippy. I’m edgy, of course. But I’m not a dirty player,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m not going to sit here and defend my character. I know the type of player I am. Chubb knows the type of player I am. I played against him for the past five years, two times a year. I love competing against him. He brings the best out of me, and I bring the best out of him.”
Pivotal starter returns on Thursday ahead of Titans in Week 3 for Browns
Some good news on the Browns injury report on Thursday.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports.
