The Pittsburgh Steelers could be getting a key starter back in their secondary in Week 5, with DeShon Elliott eligible to return after surprisingly landing on injured reserve to begin the season with a hamstring injury. Elliott signed an extension with Pittsburgh last offseason but saw his season cut short after suffering a hyperextended knee against the Packers in Week 8, an injury that ultimately landed him on season-ending injured reserve.
Now, his return could come at the perfect time after the injuries that have piled up in recent weeks. Not to mention the Steelers choosing to move on from Joey Porter Jr. Getting Elliott back would provide a much-needed boost.
With the Steelers set to take on the Colts next week, Elliott could have a chance to make his season debut and give Pittsburgh's secondary a key piece back when it needs him most.
DeShon Elliott could make his long-awaited return to the Pittsburgh Steelers as soon as Week 5
With DeShon Elliott starting the season on injured reserve, he was required to miss the first four games and is eligible to return as early as Week 5. His return could come at the perfect time, as the Steelers secondary has suddenly gotten pretty thin. Brandin Echols just got out of the concussion protocol, while Jalen Ramsey suffered a broken wrist against the Bengals that he will be fighting through for at least a few weeks.
With Elliott out, Rayshawn Jenkins has stepped into the starting lineup and certainly hasn't been a major weak link, but there have been moments where he has struggled. Getting Elliott back would help solidify the back end of this defense and give Pittsburgh some much-needed stability at a position that has taken some hits early in the season. Elliott also brings a physical presence to the secondary and is someone the Steelers know they can rely on when healthy.
Pittsburgh was hoping they would get more out of Jaquan Brisker as well, but he has struggled mightily in run defense, particularly as a tackler. His six missed tackles are the third-most among all safeties, according to Sumer Sports.
Staying healthy on that side of the ball is going to be crucial, especially with an offense that has already shown it can be inconsistent from week to week. The Steelers aren't built to have their offense carry them every Sunday, which makes having this defense as close to full strength as possible even more important.
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