The Pittsburgh Steelers seemingly had some grand plans for veteran safety Damontae Kazee in three-safety sets when the franchise signed the veteran safety following the 2022 NFL Draft.
Sometimes, the best-laid plans have to wait a bit, though.
That’s what happened with Kazee and the Steelers this season after the veteran safety suffered a broken forearm and dislocated wrist in the final preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium, landing him on the Reserve/Injured list.
Following surgery to place a metal plate and nine screws in his arm and a nine-week stint on IR — which included a three-game suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy — Kazee made his return in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints and was that jolt of energy, leadership and playmaking ability that the Steelers envisioned when they signed him to a one-year deal in April.