Steelers’ Defensive Backbone Crumbles: DeShon Elliott’s Injury Sends Shockwaves Through Team

Well, here’s a twist nobody wanted to see — DeShon Elliott, the Steelers’ stalwart safety, is heading to injured reserve and will sit out at least the next four games. Coach Mike Tomlin had initially painted a cautiously hopeful picture, labeling the knee injury as “week to week.” Yet, reality check: Ian Rapoport confirms Elliott’s stint on IR, meaning no quick comeback this time around. For Pittsburgh, it’s a gut punch—Elliott’s been a reliable presence, starting all five games this season when healthy. But, hey, the Steelers aren’t just twiddling their thumbs. Alongside this setback, they snagged safety Kyle Dugger from the Patriots, slotting him right into Elliott’s vacant roster spot. Change is constant in the NFL — you blink, and the chessboard shifts again. LEARN MORE

Although Steelers coach Mike Tomlin sounded optimistic about safety DeShon Elliott’s knee injury on Tuesday, Elliott is going to miss at least the next four games.

Elliott is going on injured reserve, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Tomlin had described Elliott as “week to week” after earlier reports had indicated Elliott’s knee injury was potentially season-ending.

Players who go on injured reserve must miss a minimum of four games.

Elliott is in his second season with the Steelers and has been a starter when healthy in Pittsburgh, including starting all five games he has played for the Steelers this season.

The Steelers acquired safety Kyle Dugger in a trade with the Patriots on Tuesday, and the roster spot Elliott is opening up by going on IR is the spot Dugger will take.