Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Gabriel Rubio (96) runs onto the field before an NFL preseason football game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Gabriel Rubio (96) runs onto the field before an NFL preseason football game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.
The Steelers are going to need more of their rookie class to step up in the coming games.
On Thursday, the team placed Sebastian Joseph-Day on injured reserve. The veteran defensive tackle had played in all six games this season, contributing 10 tackles, one for loss.
Joseph-Day joins second-year starter Derrick Harmon on injured reserve, further testing the Steelers’ defensive line depth.
“He brought that [veteran] mentality,” Keeanu Benton said of Joseph-Day after Thursday’s practice. “He’s one of those guys that immediately you can ask him questions and he'll have answers for you."
[Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II arrives for the NFL owners' meetings Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in New York.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II arrives for the NFL owners' meetings Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in New York.](https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/10/22/nfl-paris-game-protests-security-measures/stories/202610220043)
Benton is coming off of a strong performance Sunday, when he disrupted both the Buccaneers’ rushing and passing attacks. The fourth-year player, who signed a four-year, $74 million extension this offseason, remains a key component of the defensive line.
But two less established defensive tackles could become increasingly important.
Sixth-round rookie Gabriel Rubio filled in for Harmon over the last two games after being inactive for the first four alongside undrafted defensive tackle Kevin Jobity Jr.
“It's disappointing that he's down and out,” Rubio said about Joseph-Day. “But it's another opportunity for a next-man-up situation.”
With Joseph-Day sidelined, Jobity could have his number called. The former Syracuse defensive lineman earned a spot on the 53-man roster with a strong training camp and preseason and hopes to follow Rubio’s example of stepping up.
“Seeing him work hard and get out there, ... he was great,” Jobity said. “Super excited for him. And hopefully it's my time, too.”
Jobity was the only inactive Steelers defensive lineman against the Buccaneers, making him a likely candidate for his NFL debut Sunday. Both rookies credited Benton for helping them prepare for their opportunities.
"My big thing is no secrets,” Benton said. “They can ask me anything, and I'll tell them how I play my blocks and how I see it. I feel like just giving them that ease and let them know that it's going to be cool. ... They made it to this level for a reason."
Ready for Elliott’s return
Safety DeShon Elliott has spent the entire regular season on injured reserve but appears close to returning after participating fully in practice for a second consecutive day.
His increased participation and the Steelers’ release of veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins suggest Elliott’s return is imminent. Jaquan Brisker and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings are the only safeties currently on the active roster.
Benton told reporters Thursday that Elliott “brings that fire” to the defense.
Linebacker Patrick Queen knows Elliott’s fire well. The pair spent two seasons together in Baltimore before reuniting with the Steelers in 2024.
“That's my boy,” Queen said. “I know what he brings on the field. I know the type of player he is. He wants to be out there and he's gonna be eager. We know the type of playmaker he is, so it's always a good time when he's out there.”
Injury report
The Steelers declared Ben Skowronek and Brandin Echols out against the New Orleans Saints, as both missed the team’s Wednesday and Thursday practices due to injury.
Cam Heyward took a second day of rest and didn’t practice. T.J. Watt returned to practice Thursday after resting Wednesday but was limited with a calf injury. Jalen Ramsey was also a limited participant Thursday with a wrist injury after not practicing Wednesday. Both Alex Highsmith (groin) and Rico Dowdle (knee) were limited participants in practice for a second time this week.
The team is scheduled to leave for Paris on Thursday night to get ready to face the Saints at Stade de France on Sunday.
First Published: October 22, 2026, 1:36 p.m.