Steelers’ Damontae Kazee ejected after scary hit gives Michael Pittman Jr. concussion

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There was a scary moment at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis that left Michael Pittman Jr. injured.

On second down and 8 in the second quarter, Gardner Minshew dropped back to throw and was looking for Pittman on the left side.

The throw was out of Pittman’s reach, and he dove to make a catch. Before he could land safely, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Damontae Kazee laid Pittman out with a big hit.

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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) celebrates after a play Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar/USA Today Network)

Pittman lay on the turf for several moments, and numerous flags were immediately thrown.

Players all over the field dropped to a knee, not knowing Pittman’s status, and referees quickly ejected Kazee from the game.

Replays showed Kazee was able to avoid a helmet-to-helmet collision, but Pittman still took a rough hit near his head as a defenseless receiver.

After the collision, Ptttman walked off the field on his own. However, he was later ruled out for the rest of the game with a concussion.

Michael Pittman

Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts catches a pass during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis.  (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

It was not the first time Kazee has put other players, and himself, in danger. 

Kazee was fined close to $12,000 earlier this month for a hit on the Cincinnati Bengals’ Irv Smith. It was his fifth fine of the season, his fourth for a tackle.

In Week 7, Kazee was fined $11,806 for “impermissible use of the helmet,” an infraction he committed again the following week. Another fine was issued that week because of a hit to a defenseless receiver, according to Spotrac

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Kazee may face a steeper fine due to repeated offenses.

He was also fined in 2021 for getting into a fight during a game.

Damontae Kazee making tackle

Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Damontae Kazee (23) of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Josh Downs (1) of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis.  (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

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The Colts led Pittsburgh, 14-13, at halftime at the time of publication.

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