The Pittsburgh Steelers' historically atypical defensive shortcomings have been a hot-button topic early in the 2025 NFL campaign. A big part of the issue has been health, or lack thereof, specifically in the secondary. Alas, those problems figure to persist for at least one more game if the team's Week 3 injury report is any indication.
Star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and veteran safety DeShon Elliott have been ruled out for Pittsburgh's upcoming clash against the New England Patriots. They will each miss a second consecutive contest after going down in the Steelers' regular-season opening victory over the New York Jets.
It's a significant blow for a Steelers squad already susceptible to the air attack.
Pittsburgh Steelers set to face Patriots with CB Joey Porter Jr., S DeShon Elliott
Neither Porter nor Elliott has practiced since getting hurt in New York, which is alarming for Pittsburgh. Their lack of activity in the following days suggests they're facing lengthier absences than Steelers fans hope. Nevertheless, speculation aside, the duo won't be available when the Black and Gold travel to Foxborough.
Porter has been nursing a hamstring malady he suffered in the third quarter of Pittsburgh's surprisingly thrilling 34-32 shooting road win versus the Jets. Soft-tissue ailments can be tricky and linger longer than expected, so the Steelers are ostensibly erring cautiously with the 2023 second-round pick. However, head coach Mike Tomlin and Co. will feel his void in the lineup in the interim.
Meanwhile, Elliott is tending to an MCL sprain that isn't considered "serious," per NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Yet, the damage is severe enough to sideline him for "a couple of weeks." This was foreshadowed by Pittsburgh's recent decision to sign ex-Patriots standout Jabril Peppers.
If there's any silver lining here, fortunately, the Patriots don't necessarily have the skill-position weapons to make Pittsburgh feel the losses of Porter and Elliott. Few quarterbacks boast a more underwhelming supporting cast than New England's Drake Maye. The matchup should mitigate the Steelers' concerns of not having them.
A Patriots receiving corps headlined by 31-year-old Stefon Diggs, who's still working his way back from a torn ACL, doesn't exactly instill fear. Kayshon Boutte and Demario "Pop" Douglas have shown flashes but aren't consistent playmaking threats. For context, running back Rhamondre Stevenson currently ranks second on the club in receptions (seven) and receiving yards (100).
Regardless, the Steelers can't afford to play with their food. Through Thursday Night Football of Week 3, they're giving up the eighth-highest completion percentage (69.1) and eighth-most passing yards per game (245). Pittsburgh also allows the ninth-highest passing touchdown rate in football (5.5 percent) and is tied with the Patriots for most yards per completion (13.5).