The Pittsburgh Steelers currently sit at 2-2 after a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4. Had Pittsburgh won that game the team would be sitting at the top of the AFC North, but currently the group is in third place in the division. The Steelers are hoping to go on a decent streak over the next few weeks as the team prepares for games against the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New Orleans Saints. The only problem is that the Steelers are going through some tough injuries on the defensive side of the ball, and the team might still be missing some defenders that were expected to be back by now.
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Steelers safety DeShon Elliott lines up in an NFL preseason game in August of 2026.
The time before Week 4 and Week 5 during an NFL season is very important. At this time of the year teams should have a better idea of how good they can be, and this is also the time when players are eligible to return from Injured Reserve (IR). Being put on IR but also being designated to return means a player has to miss at least the next four games, which is the same case for players that are placed on IR prior to the regular season beginning. Safety DeShon Elliott was a player that was placed on IR before the 2026 season began, and he is now eligible to return.
Elliott being placed on IR was a bit of a surprise. He was returning from a serious hamstring injury that required surgery, but he practiced during training camp and took the field during the preseason. Head Coach Mike McCarthy was asked about the veteran safety during his press conference on Monday, and he unfortunately stated that there is still no timetable for his return.
"DeShon's making progress," McCarthy said. "Had a chance to watch him work last week, so he's definitely getting close. He's chomping at the bit, he's definitely made progress. I don't have a timeline for you, but I thought he had a really good workout last Wednesday."
The head coach was not going to confirm or deny whether or not Elliott was going to be returning for Week 5. According to the NFL rules, a team does not have to announce whether or not a player on IR is going to be activated until 4 PM on Saturday for a game that has a normal start time on Sunday, so the coaching staff and franchise are going to keep the status of Elliott close to the vest.
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Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
McCarthy's comments on Elliott were encouraging at the very least, and if he is not back for Week 5, maybe he can return for the game after that. He is needed in the defensive backfield right now as the secondary is pretty beat up. He is also a sure tackler, which is something the Steelers could have used in the most recent loss to the Browns. Elliott is productive and he is also a good leader on the backend, and there is no doubt that the group has been missing him through the first four weeks of the season.
Steelers Need 2024 DeShon Elliott Back
Elliott signed with the Steelers during the 2024 offseason. He was one of the best players on the defense and an encouraging surprise. He played in 15 games and recorded over 105 total tackles, and he also forced two fumbles, recovered three, and picked off a pass. In 2025, he was only healthy for four games and some change and he recorded nearly 40 total tackles, forced a fumble, and picked off a pass. He is a productive and opportunistic defender, and the Steelers need to get him back on the field as soon as possible.
McCarthy saying he doesn't have a timeline for Elliott's return is concerning, but he probably wouldn't tell the media if he did.
What do you think about the Steelers being eligible to bring Elliott back off of IR? When do you think he will return? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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