Is DeShon Elliott Playing vs. Saints? Steelers HC Mike McCarthy Hopeful

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy hopes to have DeShon Elliott back this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

McCarthy didn't have much of an update regarding the veteran safety, however.

"I thought he had a great week last week, so those are the conversations that we're having," McCarthy said during his weekly press conference on Monday afternoon at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Elliott returned to practice for the Steelers before their Week 5 win over the Indianapolis Colts, having had his 21-day window opened. Elliott had been placed on injured reserve on cutdown day.

Elliott missed over half of last season with a significant hamstring injury suffered in October. He aggravated the injury after returning to action during the preseason. Elliott talked about the emotions that went into getting back on the field after the exhibition against the New York Jets.

"The first drive, I was rusty as hell," Elliott said. "I gave up a third-and-6 to the tight end. I had a lot of pregame jitters. First game back from the injury. Last time I played football, my dad was alive still, so it was a lot of emotion for me."

Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.