Steelers Are Optimistic Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. And Safety DeShon Elliott Will Play In Ireland

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense will be looking to quiet the concerns in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings. For Pittsburgh’s defense, many predicted them to be one of the best units in the NFL for the 2025 season. Through the first three games, the Steelers' defense has struggled to stop opposing rushing and passing attacks. 

Though the defense forced five turnovers in Week 3 against the New England Patriots, it didn’t inspire much confidence. Two key defensive players could be coming back in Week 4, however, after a new video was posted on Wednesday, via 93.7 The Fan, showing cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety DeShon Elliott practicing.

Porter Jr., the Steelers’ top outside corner, has been sidelined by a minor injury, but remains one of the most important pieces of the secondary. His return would give Pittsburgh a much-needed boost in coverage, especially against a dangerous Vikings passing attack led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. 

Without Porter Jr., the Steelers have been exposed at times, allowing too many explosive plays through the air. His presence not only strengthens the secondary, but also allows Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin to be more aggressive with blitz packages.

Elliott’s potential return could be just as important. The veteran safety was brought in during the 2024 offseason to bring stability and toughness to the back end of the defense, but his absence has been noticeable early in the season. With the Steelers giving up chunk plays both on the ground and through the air, Elliott’s leadership and physicality could help settle things down. If both he and Porter Jr. are able to suit up in Dublin, Pittsburgh’s defense may finally start to resemble the dominant unit many expected when the season began.

Porter got hurt during the Week 1 contest against the New York Jets and was forced to miss Weeks 2 and 3 with the injury. Elliott also went down in that same game and has missed both of the following matchups alongside Porter. 

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear that he believes the Steelers' defense has been limited schematically until both Elliott and Porter are back on the field. If they are able to return from injury and provide valuable contributions on Sunday morning, it would be a massive boost for a defense in desperate need of a lights-out performance.

Steelers' Defense Will Be Tested Big Time In Dublin

This unit, led by Cam Heyward and TJ Watt, was expected to be one of the best in the NFL. So far, it has been far from that, giving up a significant amount of yards even against mediocre offensive talent. Now, the Steelers will head to Dublin to face a backup quarterback in Carson Wentz. 

The Vikings' offense is a high-powered, potent unit with star playmakers, but with Wentz leading the way, the Steelers pass rush should be able to make life difficult for him. If they don’t, it will be cause for concern. Wentz is coming off a 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The Vikings' defense made his job easy, but he also had a productive game in his first start of 2025. 

He completed 14 of his 20 throws for 173 passing yards, two touchdown throws, and zero interceptions. The Steelers will look to make his stat line much worse on Sunday morning in Ireland.

Do you expect to see Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott playing in Dublin, Ireland? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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