PITTSBURGH -- Two Pittsburgh Steelers players suffered significant injuries against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale and safety DeShon Elliott both had ‘significant' injuries that would hold them out for a while.
After being examined by trainers, Ekuale limped off the field and went into the blue medical tent. he came out of the tent without his helmet and immediately walked down into the locker room.
Ekuale has played in all seven games for the Steelers so far as their reserve nose tackle. Without him, it will likely signal more Ezesi Otomewo into the game when the Steelers rotate their defensive line.
Ekuale came from the New England Patriots and signed a one-year deal with the Steelers this offseason to become a key part of their defensive line rotation. Ekuale, 31, had 52 tackles and just one sack. He had 16 pressures while adding 26 run stops.
However, Elliott’s injury could be significant for the defense. Elliott was standing and two players rolled into his knee, causing the injury. Elliott got up and with the help of trainers, made it to the blue medical tent. He was then carted from the blue medical tent to the locker room, where he was immediately ruled out.
Elliott missed time earlier this season with an MCL sprain he suffered in Week 1 against the New York Jets, but that was to his left knee. This injury is to the opposite leg.
Without him on the field, the Steelers will turn to free safety Juan Thornhill with a group of Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers at strong safety. Jalen Ramsey, who has played both slot cornerback and outside cornerback, can play in that rotation, too.
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