The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered another huge blow when strong safety DeShon Elliott suffered a serious knee injury during Sunday’s 35-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The injury, which happened in the second half, might have long-term effects on a defense that is already fighting for form and consistency.
How DeShon Elliott Got Injured?
Elliott was tackled when his leg twisted abnormally under him. The on-camera footage captured him in obvious distress, and trainers rushed onto the field immediately. He was assisted off and subsequently carted into the locker room, unable to put weight on his leg.
The Steelers quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game. Although the team has not issued an official diagnosis, the injury was severe enough to make one worry about the possibility of ligament damage.
Through four games this season, Elliott had been a defense anchor with 19 solo tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble and his absence is a huge blow to the team’s depth and defensive structure.
The Deshon Elliott knee injury #Steelers pic.twitter.com/MULYcafejR
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) October 27, 2025
When Will We Hear More About DeShon Elliott’s Health?
To date, the Steelers have not released an official statement regarding Elliott’s health. He’ll reportedly get scans to see how bad the injury is, and a more definitive timeline should be revealed sometime later this week.
Fans are keeping their fingers crossed, but initial indications suggest a possibly lengthy stay on the bench.
How Bad Is DeShon Elliot Injury News for the Steelers Defense?
The Steelers defense had already begun to crack in recent weeks. Even prior to Elliott’s injury, the unit had been unable to come up with turnovers or sacks against the Packers.
Safety Juan Thornhill expressed the frustration best: “When DeShon goes down, it’s like, ‘Oh, so what are we gonna do now?’ He’s the one who keeps things organized out there.”
The Steelers have not forced a turnover since their game against the Vikings in Ireland last month. Without Elliott, the defense seems disjointed and short on communication a worrisome combination with midseason approaching.
Who Will Step Up in Elliott’s Absence?
With Elliott out, the Steelers’ next-man-up philosophy will be put to the test.
Veterans Jabrill Peppers and Chuck Clark are expected to fill the void. Peppers, who joined the team after Elliott’s earlier knee scare in Week 1, acknowledged the difficulty:
“It’s not what I’m used to, but you’ve got to be ready when your number’s called.”
Clark, meanwhile, has experience in Elliott’s hybrid role alternating between playing deep and sliding into the slot but has had limited reps in that capacity this season.
Can the Steelers Survive Without Their Defensive Anchor?
The numbers from earlier in the season don’t inspire confidence. When Elliott missed games against Seattle and New England, the Steelers gave up 764 yards in two games, nearly allowing 120 rushing yards per contest.
Linebacker Patrick Queen admitted the loss hits hard,“It hurt. DeShon is one of a kind. We’ll rally, but it’s emotional when you lose a guy like that.”
Their next encounter against Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts will challenge that toughness again particularly with Taylor already having three multi-touchdown performances this season.
What’s Next for Pittsburgh?
With Elliott out, the Steelers need to rebuild quickly. Their defensive philosophy has always been based on toughness and communication both of which Elliott represents.
If his injury is indeed long-term, Pittsburgh’s playoff chances may be put seriously in danger, particularly in a tough AFC divisional race.
The following week comes in Week 9 against the Colts, as the Steelers will look to show that their defense can hold its own without one of its biggest cogs.
