Steelers place DeShon Elliott on IR

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without one of their top defenders in the secondary to start the season. The Steelers have placed safety DeShon Elliott on IR. Elliott will now miss at least the first four games of the season.

After suffering a significant leg injury in Week 8 against the Packers and missing the remainder of the 2025 season, Elliott fought his way back onto the field this training camp. He made his return to live action against the Jets on August 21, but did not play against the Bills on Thursday.

Injuries limited Elliott to only five games last year, totaling 38 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Elliott signed a two-year extension in June of 2025 that keeps him under contract through 2027.

The Steelers' secondary is already thin and missing Elliott is a significant blow. Pittsburgh signed veteran Jaquan Brisker in the offseason and has occasionally deployed Jalen Ramsey at safety, needing to fill a gap left by Elliott. Seventh-round pick Robert Spears-Jennings also made the initial 53-man roster, and veteran Rayshawn Jenkins will also be expected to play a major role in Elliott's absence. The Steelers list Ramsey as a nickel corner, but did play some safety in Mike Tomlin's defense.

The Atlanta Falcons visit Acrisure Stadium for the season opener two weeks from now on September 13.

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