Steelers begins post-Ben life by trading for DB Fitzpatrick

PITTSBURGH >> The Pittsburgh Steelers have no plans to bail on the season with Ben Roethlisberger out until 2020 with an elbow injury.

“Our level of expectations in terms of our performance will not change,” coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

A day removed from announcing Roethlisberger’s aching right elbow will require surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the year, the Steelers (0-2) began the process of moving on by upgrading their uneven defense and bringing in depth behind new starting quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Pittsburgh sent three draft picks — a first-rounder and a fifth-rounder in 2020 and a sixth-rounder in 2021 — to Miami for defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2020 fourth-round pick. The Steelers also signed former Denver backup Paxton Lynch to the practice squad behind Rudolph and second-stringer Delvin Hodges.

Fitzpatrick, the 11th overall selection in the 2018 draft, had grown frustrated with his role for the rebuilding Dolphins. Miami began shopping him after a Week 1 loss to Baltimore and found a willing partner in the Steelers, who will be without starting safety Sean Davis for at least the next two months after Davis sustained a shoulder injury.

Newton’s status unclear

CHARLOTTE, N.C. >> Cam Newton’s status for Sunday’s game at Arizona is uncertain after the 2015 league MVP reaggravated a mid-foot sprain.

Newton did not practice Tuesday and Panthers coach Ron Rivera gave no timetable for his QB’s potential return, saying “He’s going to get his treatment, we’ll see how he feels and we’ll adjust to it as we go through it.”

Rivera said backup Kyle Allen would make his second career if Newton isn’t able to play.

Jags’ Ramsey wants out

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. >> Defensive back Jalen Ramsey confirmed he wants out of Jacksonville and said he doesn’t want to be a distraction.

He said his angst has nothing to do with the franchise declining to offer him a contract extension before this season, but hinted that the coaching staff has failed to use him properly.

Ramsey took two shots at Jaguars coach Doug Marrone, saying “I don’t recall” twice when asked about the sideline argument between the two during a 13-12 loss at Houston on Sunday. Marrone uttered the same phrase after the game.

Ramsey’s agent called general manager Dave Caldwell a short time later and requested a trade.