Quick Hitters Steelers activate LB T.J. Watt off IR; S Fitzpatrick out

NFLPA calls on 6 venues to improve playing surfaces

The nFL Players association is calling on six venues to change their current playing surfaces, saying the turf in those stadiums results in “statistically higher in-game injury rates” involving non-contact and lower-extremity injuries.

nFLPa President JC Tretter said Saturday the league should ban “slit film” playing surfaces that are used in Cincinnati, detroit, Indianapolis, minnesota, new orleans and new york (Jets and Giants). Tretter posted his statement on the nFLPa website.

PITTSburGH — one star in, one star out for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

The Steelers activated outside linebacker T.J. Watt off injured reserve on Saturday, clearing the way for him to return for Sunday’s visit from new orleans.

Watt, the 2021 nFL defensive Player of the year, hasn’t played since tearing his left pectoral in a Week 1 win over Cincinnati. He underwent minor knee surgery during his stay on Ir but returned to practice two weeks ago. on Friday, he said he’s ready to play.

UFC great Frankie Edgar KO’d at MSG in final fight

neW yorK — Former uFC lightweight champion Frankie edgar lost the final bout of his mma career when he was dropped by Chris Gutierrez at 2:01 of the first round of their fight at madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

The 41-year-old edgar took a knee to the head at uFC 281 for a brutal Ko loss in his last time in the cage in a career that started in 2005. Gutierrez and edgar had a long embrace after the spectacular finish in the 135-pound fight that quieted another packed crowd at mSG.

a new Jersey native, edgar finished his career at 24-11-1 overall and 18-11-1 in the uFC.