I’m not sure anyone had great expectations when the Pittsburgh Steelers signed S DeShon Elliott in 2024. Yet he quickly established himself as an important player on the Steelers’ defense. He had his first career 100-plus tackle season while also breaking up six passes, picking off one pass and forcing three fumbles.
In 2025, we thought we were going to get the same. He had an interception, two passes defensed, a forced fumble, 38 tackles, one sack and a tackle for a loss. All that came in five games. Unfortunately, a knee injury derailed his season, and he went on injured reserve at the end of October. Around Thanksgiving, Elliott updated people that he was hoping to be done with crutches soon and he’d “be ready for next season.”
Unfortunately, we hadn’t heard much officially since Elliott himself provided that update. So, how is DeShon Elliott doing?
“I’m looking forward to DeShon just being DeShon, you know,” Steelers General Manager Omar Khan said Tuesday in Indianapolis per our very own Joe Clark. “He’s really a good football player. He’s working hard and right now everything’s on schedule is my understanding.”
The Steelers dealt with safety issues throughout the season last year. In the aftermath of Elliott’s injury, they traded for S Kyle Dugger. They also pressed DB Jalen Ramsey into service at safety for most of the year. Unfortunately, the position was simply in flux all season long without Elliott in the defensive backfield.
We never received the details of Elliott’s knee injury. However, based on him missing the entire season and Khan saying that “everything’s on schedule,” it was severe. It does sound like Elliott is doing well now and should be ready for 2026.
Hopefully, we will see a healthy DeShon Elliott who reminds us of the player we saw in 2024.
SS DeShon Elliott yesterday:
– 9 tackles
– 1 TFL
– 1/4 when targeted
Tape is littered with impact plays. Don’t forget about key 2nd/11 tackle to set up his own TFL on 3rd and 1.
What a FA addition he’s been. #Steelers https://t.co/JkVGTzUE4C pic.twitter.com/fse5HBn5LJ
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) September 16, 2024
Then, it’ll be up to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and Omar Khan to figure out who will be playing next to Elliott to help stabilize the position.
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