Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will miss multiple weeks after undergoing an appendectomy Saturday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Steelers announced that Fitzpatrick wouldn't play in Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints due to appendicitis.

Fitzpatrick, a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's defense, has racked up 45 tackles, six pass breakups, and three interceptions in seven games this season, including a pick-6. The two-time Pro Bowler also missed a game in October with a knee injury.

But the Steelers' defense is welcoming back an important starter, as the team officially activated T.J. Watt from injured reserve Saturday. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year hasn't played since sustaining a pectoral ailment in Week 1.

Pittsburgh also placed veteran cornerback William Jackson, whom the team acquired at the trade deadline, on injured reserve Saturday.

The Steelers have allowed 24.6 points per game in 2022, ranking only 24th in the NFL.