Steelers Expected to Lose Star Defender After Gruesome Injury

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have suffered numerous injuries this season and now a major injury might keep out one of their best defensive players from participating any time soon.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that Steelers are expecting safety DeShon Elliott will miss the rest of the season. He did report that Elliott didn't tear his ACL, but the nature of the leg injury doesn't give the Steelers hope he'll come back.

The Steelers are bracing for safety DeShon Elliott to miss the rest of the season, per sources. His ACL is intact and he’s working through the nature of the leg injury, so Pittsburgh will hold out hope, but a return is not considered likely at this point. pic.twitter.com/bceZ6iCacD
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 28, 2025

DeShon Elliott Suffers Gruesome Injury vs. Packers

Elliott suffered the injury in the 35-25 defeat in Week 8 for the Steelers against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw up a pass on third-and-5 and found tight end Tucker Kraft, who ran for 26 yards to move into Steelers territory on the first drive of the second half.

Steelers safety Juan Thornhill tackled Kraft, who spun and fell into the right leg of Elliott, who fell down and held his leg in pain.

Elliott needed assistance getting off the field, not putting any weight on his leg. He then got on a cart and headed for the locker room once he got to the sidelines. The Steelers then ruled him out for the rest of the game.

Steelers safety DeShon Elliott down after his knee twists making the tackle on Tucker Kraft. Injury timeout in Pittsburgh. #GBvsPIT #Steelers #NFL #InjuryUpdate pic.twitter.com/jOcLdCpq4B
— Aggregate Sports (@AggregateSports) October 27, 2025

Steelers Struggle Without Elliott

The Steelers defense was horrendous in the second half and Elliott's absence played a large role in their poor play.

Love dominated through the air, completing 20 consecutive passes, with 17 of them coming in the second half.

He led the Packers to four touchdowns in the second half, after trailing 16-7 at halftime, and finished with 360 yards and three touchdowns, while completing 29-of-37 passes in the victory.

Kraft had a career game without Elliott on the field, finishing with seven catches for 143 yards and a touchdown for the Packers.

What the Steelers Miss With Elliott Out

Elliott is one of the top defensive players on the Steelers roster and one of the better safeties in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott — Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Deshon Elliott (25) reacts after an interception on a pass thrown by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) during the second quarter during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

He had 38 tackles (20 solo), three quarterback hits and one interception in five starts this season, missing the loss to the Seattle Seahawks at home in Week 2 and the road win over the New England Patriots in Week 3 with an MCL sprain.

Elliott had 12 tackles in the 23-9 win over the Cleveland Browns at home in Week 5 and also had his interception in the 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park, in Dublin, Ireland in Week 4.

He is one of the better tacklers on the team and his work in coverage prevents big gains from offenses across the league.

Who Will the Steelers Replace Elliott With?

Thornhill is the free safety for the Steelers, but will need someone to fill in for Elliott at strong safety.

Both Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers are the main backups for the Steelers at strong safety and will assume larger roles going forward on defense.

The Steelers will sorely miss Elliott, but if Clark or Peppers can play admirably and effectively, the loss won't hurt as much.

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