Steelers Put Safety DeShon Elliott on IR, Sidelining Him for at Least Four Games

The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed safety DeShon Elliott on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the season. Elliott, who signed a two-year extension last offseason, has struggled with injuries, appearing in only five games in 2025. He was limited in training camp but played in a preseason game against the Jets.

Elliott's injury history has been a persistent concern since his 2025 season was derailed by two separate knee issues. The MCL sprain suffered in the opener sidelined him for three weeks, and the more severe hamstring tear in Week 8 effectively ended his campaign. His limited training camp workload suggested the team was managing his recovery cautiously.

The $12.5 million extension signed last offseason now looks like a gamble that has not paid off. At 29 years old, Elliott's repeated lower-body injuries raise questions about his long-term durability. The Steelers will need to rely on their backup safeties for at least a month, with Elliott eligible to return in Week 5 if his recovery progresses.