Steelers face Seahawks in Week 2 without key players but add Jabrill Peppers to roster
The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but they will do so without two crucial starters and an important backup. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed on Tuesday that defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, safety DeShon Elliott, and linebacker Malik Harrison will be sidelined due to knee injuries.
Injury Updates on Starters
Harmon, who sustained his injury during the final preseason game, is expected to ramp up his preparation this week in hopes of returning for the Week 3 clash. Elliott, on the other hand, exited the Week 1 contest early due to a knee issue and is projected to miss “a couple of weeks” due to an MCL sprain, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Steelers are eyeing a potential Week 4 return for the veteran safety. Harrison’s absence will also be felt, as he has been a steady presence in the lineup.
In a glimmer of hope for the Steelers, Tomlin mentioned that cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and outside linebacker Nick Herbig may return to action. Porter Jr. suffered a hamstring injury against the Jets, while Herbig has been recovering from a knee issue sustained during the preseason.
Welcoming Jabrill Peppers
In response to Elliott’s injury, the Steelers have made a strategic move by signing safety Jabrill Peppers. The veteran player was unexpectedly released by the New England Patriots, creating an intriguing opportunity for Pittsburgh.
“We have Jabrill Peppers in the building,” Tomlin remarked. “We’ll be signing Jabrill today and getting him up to speed on what we’d ask him to do. I’m highly familiar with him, not only from his time as a Cleveland Brown but also from when we scouted him heavily coming out of Michigan. He’s a football player first and a positional player second.”
Tomlin elaborated on Peppers’ versatility, noting his ability to play at either safety position, in nickel situations, and even his contributions to special teams. “He’s displayed positional flexibility over the course of his career. He’s been a capable guy in the special teams space—covering kicks, returning punts. He’s just a good, well-rounded football player. We’re glad to add him to the fold,” Tomlin added.
Looking Ahead to the Seahawks
As the Steelers prepare for their encounter with the Seahawks, they will release their first injury report of the week on Wednesday. The game is set to take place at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, and fans will be keen to see how the team adjusts to these challenges while integrating Peppers into the lineup. The anticipation builds as Pittsburgh seeks to bounce back after a tough opener.
