PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Terrell Edmunds made sure to call fellow safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on his 25th birthday.

Edmunds wasn’t just calling on Wednesday to wish Fitzpatrick a happy birthday. Edmunds also called to check up on Fitzpatrick, who was placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday.

“I talked to him today,” Edmunds said. “He said he’s doing well, and just getting back healthy again.”

Fitzpatrick played in Sunday’s home tie with the Detroit Lions, but he entered the COVID-19 protocol the following day. Teams are not required to release information on whether players are vaccinated. If Fitzpatrick is, he would be required to be free of symptoms and have two negative tests 24 hours apart. If he is not vaccinated, the playmaking defensive back could be sidelined for at least 10 days.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he “doesn’t anticipate” having Fitzpatrick in the lineup for Sunday’s road game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He also said that the Steelers may use multiple players to replicate the talented Fitzpatrick’s multi-faceted role on the defense.

“It’s definitely an adjustment, just whenever you have anyone that’s a key starter on our defense,” Edmunds said. “It’s just the next man-up mentality now. We have to have guys step up in big ways to come out and help us win the football game.”

Pittsburgh acquired Fitzpatrick in an early season trade with Miami in 2019. Fitzpatrick, a two-time All-Pro, has nine interceptions in three seasons with the Steelers.

While Fitzpatrick doesn’t have any interceptions yet this season, he still commands a presence.