Pittsburgh Cuts Safety Rayshawn Jenkins, Possibly Paving Way for DeShon Elliott
Pittsburgh released veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins, a move that may create room for DeShon Elliott to return from injured reserve. Jenkins, 32, had seen his role shrink to special teams after joining as depth. Elliott has eight days left to be activated or he will remain out for the season.
Jenkins, 32, joined Pittsburgh as safety depth and made one start in Week 3 before his defensive snaps fell and he was used mainly on special teams. The move clears a roster spot while DeShon Elliott’s practice window remains open; Elliott has eight days to be activated or stay on season-ending injured reserve.
Jenkins’s background includes a 10-year career with five clubs. He was a fourth-round Miami product, started alongside Derwin James in Los Angeles, signed a four-year, $35MM Jacksonville deal, later joined Seattle on a two-year, $12MM contract, and was a Cleveland backup before Pittsburgh.
Steelers fans may read Jenkins’s release as a hint that Elliott could return soon, which might strengthen the secondary and shift expectations for coming games. Jenkins, now a free agent at 32, could face another career transition, while teammates and coaches may absorb a modest roster adjustment. Fantasy and betting audiences could also react to any Elliott availability news, though the team has not confirmed his activation.