Elliott’s Determined Outlook After MCL Sprain
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott is not letting an early season injury dampen his spirits. Following a knee injury sustained during the first half of the Steelers’ Week 1 victory over the New York Jets, Elliott took to social media to reassure fans of his swift return. The injury has been diagnosed as an MCL sprain, but Elliott’s message was clear: “This [expletive] doesn’t stop. Be back soon,” he posted on his Instagram story.
Injury Report and Immediate Impact
As the Steelers prepare for their Week 2 home opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium, Elliott’s absence is notable. He has been listed as a non-participant on the team’s injury report. This comes as no surprise, as reports indicate that he may miss several weeks due to the injury. FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz noted that the goal is to have Elliott back in action by the time the Steelers face the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin during Week 4.
Before leaving the game against the Jets, the 28-year-old safety recorded six tackles across 26 defensive snaps and contributed on special teams with three plays. In his absence, Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark stepped up as the safety duo, while the Steelers have bolstered their depth by signing veteran Jabrill Peppers.
Elliott’s Importance to the Defense
Elliott’s role in the Steelers’ defense has become crucial, particularly after the offseason trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. This shift has positioned Elliott as the primary safety, making his injury a significant concern for the team.
Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round out of Texas in 2018, Elliott spent his first four seasons with the Ravens before moving to the Detroit Lions in 2022 and then the Dolphins in 2023. He joined the Steelers on a two-year, $6 million deal before the 2024 season and quickly made an impact, starting 14 of the 15 games he played last season and ranking second on the team with 108 tackles while also recovering three fumbles.
In June, Elliott was rewarded with a two-year extension worth $12.5 million, reflecting his importance in Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme. The organization and fans alike are hopeful for his swift return to the field, as his presence is pivotal for the Steelers’ aspirations this season.
