Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) pushes Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) out of bounds. Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Steelers safety ejected after huge hit on Colts' Michael Pittman Jr.

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 12/16/23

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee was ejected in the second quarter of Saturday's game for a huge hit to the head of Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

Pittman remained down on the field for a few moments before being helped off the field. The Colts announced he is being evaluated for a concussion.

Here is a look at the hit.

Damontae Kazee was ejected for this hit on Michael Pittman Jr.
pic.twitter.com/W1QPDBnTyY
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) December 16, 2023

It was clearly a devastating hit and in real-time looked to be a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit. The reverse angle shows that Kazee actually hit him with his shoulder, but it was still directly to the head. Kazee is in a tough spot there with Pittman going to the ground and falling, but the NFL is always going to be protective of defenseless wide receivers.

The pass was ruled incomplete, but the 15-yard penalty from the previous spot still gave the Colts a first down. Kazee was immediately ejected from the game.

It is a significant loss for the Steelers whose defense is already dealing with major issues at inside linebacker where Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander and Elandon Roberts are all injured, with Holcomb and Alexander out for the season. Even worse, the Steelers lost their other starting safety — and one of their best players — Minkah Fitzpatrick to injury on the very next play.

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