The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the team's Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. This is Pittsburgh's first home season opener in Week 1 since the 2023 season, and that game did not go well against the San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers would like to start the 2026 season off on the right foot, especially under new head coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff. That is going to begin with putting a stop to the weapons that Atlanta has on the offensive side of the ball. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts are all players that are capable of changing games. The Steelers will need to contain them, and that will be hard to do with a big absence.
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Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) stands on the field as Pittsburgh goes through a workout during the annual Friday Night Lights practice at 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
It was a bit of a surprise to some when the Steelers placed safety DeShon Elliott on Injured Reserve (IR) to begin the 2026 season. Not only will he miss the opener, but he is going to be forced to miss the first four games of the season. He is not eligible to return until Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. This obviously leaves a hole in the defense, and that comes along with some questions about who might be used to replace Elliott in the lineup. Jaquan Brisker will obviously have a bigger role, while Jalen Ramsey, Robert Spears-Jennings, and Rayshawn Jenkins will all see time at safety.
Elliott suffered a knee injury and a hamstring injury that ended his 2025 season. He went through surgeries over the offseason, and he even played in Pittsburgh's second preseason game against the New York Jets. He must have had a bad reaction or something that led to him being put on IR. Beat writer Mike DeFabo appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning, where he shared that the decision is a bit of a mystery.
"It is mysterious," DeFabo said. "He had a hyperextended knee and a torn hamstring. He had some surgical procedures during the offseason. It looked like he was in line to play by the fact that he played in the second preseason game. That was the bizarre part of this entire thing. If he was healthy enough to play in the second preseason game, why is he not healthy enough to start the season? And we don't have a lot of answers at this point. Did he not react well to that gameplay? Did he sustain some type of setback? They've said no when we've asked that. Bottom line is, they've lost an important part of the secondary."
Elliott was signed by Pittsburgh during free agency back in the 2024 offseason. He became one of the defense's best players during that season, and his presence was missed in 2025 during the back half of the year.
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Steelers defensive back DeShon Elliott gets carted off of the field during a home game against the Packers.
He only played in five games after missing some time near the start of the season and then suffering his knee and hamstring injuries that caused him to miss the remainder of the year.
Steelers Need DeShon Elliott's 2024 Production Back
Elliott's production obviously took a step down as he only played in five games in 2025 as mentioned. He still recorded 38 combined tackles and an interception, which is pretty impressive. His ability to cover while also being a force in defending the run is notable. He made plenty of plays around the line of scrimmage in 2024, and that is what the Steelers are going to need in 2026. In 2024, the veteran safety recorded 108 total tackles with an interception and two forced fumbles. That is going to be needed on this defensive unit in 2026. Hopefully he is able to return as early as possible, which would be Week 5 against the Colts.
What do you think is the reasoning for Elliott being placed on IR? When do you expect him to return? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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