The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed starting SS DeShon Elliott on injured reserve after Elliott suffered a severe knee injury during Week 8’s loss to the Green Bay Packers. Elliott was lost in the second half of Sunday night’s game, his leg awkwardly bent under the weight of TE Tucker Kraft at the end of his 59-yard catch.
The play proved to be a turning point in the loss.
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Here’s a look at the play. Elliott immediately clutched his right knee and could not bear weight on his leg as he came off the field. He was carted to the locker room with the NBC broadcast reporting Elliott was emotional while examined.
Post-game, Tomlin confirmed the injury was significant. Elliott was one of two Steelers to suffer severe knee injuries, losing backup NT Daniel Ekuale to a torn ACL. Guard Isaac Seumalo also suffered a pec strain.
Elliott, 28, recorded five tackles before exiting. It’s his second knee injury of the year, missing two games due to a torn MCL sprain suffered in the season opener against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh’s struggling defense has suffered even more without him, showing poor run defense and consistent miscommunication. Through eight weeks, the Steelers rank 22nd in scoring defense and will have the tough task of facing the Indianapolis Colts’ No. 1-ranked offense in Week 9.
On the season, Elliott’s notched 38 tackles (one for a loss) with one interception. He’s also been an effective blitzer, recording three QB hits, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark finished out the game as the team’s starting safeties. Jabrill Peppers saw an increase in snaps in run personnel groupings. But without Elliott, the Steelers have one of the NFL’s weakest safety groups. In Week 6, the team lost safety and special teams captain Miles Killebrew for the season due to a severe knee injury.
Pittsburgh signed Elliott to a two-year, $12.25 million extension ahead of the 2025 season. He is under contract through 2027.
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