Pittsburgh Steelers Safety Suspended

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without one of their defensive backs for at least another three weeks. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the NFL has suspended safety Damontae Kazee three games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

#Steelers S Damontae Kazee was suspended for the next 3 games for violations of the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2022

The league's substance abuse policy is distinct from its performance-enhancing drug policy, hence the brevity of the suspension. Kazee had already been placed on injured reserve following the 53-man roster cutdown, so the ban comes at a fortuitous time. He'll serve two games while on injured reserve, then one more after he's eligible to return. He'll miss matchups against the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills.

Photo Credit: © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Kazee arrived with the Steelers this offseason after starting 15 games with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. His best years probably came with the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the league in interceptions during the 2018 season. He was in line for significant playing time with Pittsburgh this year, competing with Terrell Edmunds for snaps at safety next to entrenched veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick. Now, he'll likely have to fight off Miles Killebrew and Tre Norwood for the top backup spot when he returns. 

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports