Steelers' Damontae Kazee Suspended for NFL Season After Hit on Colts' Michael Pittman

The NFL suspended Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee for the remainder of the 2023 season following his hit on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

The league cited "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players."

Kazee was ejected in the second quarter of Pittsburgh's 30-13 loss after making contact with Pittman as the wideout was fully extended in an effort to catch a pass. Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed after the game that Pittman was in the concussion protocol.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters after the game he thought the decision to eject Kazee "came from New York," referencing the league office.

As the league said in Monday's announcement, his suspension doesn't stem from the hit specifically but rather an accumulation of offenses across the season. Per NFL.com, Kazee received fines for unnecessary roughness in Weeks 2, 7, 8 (with two fines levied) and 12.

With his season now over, Kazee finishes with 61 tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended in 14 games. He had started in each of the last seven weeks.

His absence won't help Pittsburgh's quest to jump back into a wild-card position. The Steelers have dropped four of their last five and at 7-7 now are a game back of the seventh-place Colts.

Safeties Miles Killebrew and Trenton Thompson will have to step up as Minkah Fitzpatrick has already been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.