Alex Highsmith, DeShon Elliott injury updates: Steelers reveal defenders' status on Wednesday practice report

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their first practice report for the Week 3 game against the New England Patriots and gave updates on LB Alex Highsmith and S DeShon Elliott. It was announced on Wednesday that several defensive players did not practice, including CB Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), Elliott (knee), and Highsmith (ankle). CB Darius Slay and LB TJ Watt also didn’t practice, but it was a rest day for both players.

The other players on the practice report included LB Patrick Queen (oblique), OL Max Scharping (knee), and DT Derrick Harmon (knee). Queen was a full participant in practice, while Scharping and Harmon were limited.

#Steelers Week 3 Wednesday Practice Report:

DNP
SS DeShon Elliott (knee)
CB Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring)
CB Darius Slay (rest)
OLB T.J. Watt (rest)
OLB Alex Highsmith (ankle)

LIMITED
OG Max Scharping (knee)
DT Derrick Harmon (knee)

FULL
LB Patrick Queen (oblique)

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) September 17, 2025

“First, the guys that have been out,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Wednesday. “D. Elliott is improving, but I would characterize his availability as questionable at best this week. Derrick Harmon, same thing. His work is improving. His health is improving, but he would best be described as questionable, along with Joey Porter, who continues to work.”

Tomlin also discussed details on Highsmith, who is dealing with an ankle sprain. “He has a lesser significant, but at the same time, he has an ankle sprain as well,” Tomlin explained. “He could be characterized as out as well.”

More on Alex Highsmith and DeShon Elliott

Steelers fans are waiting for Harmon to make his NFL debut. The knee injury has kept him out of action for the last two weeks, but Tomlin wants to make sure he’s in the best position to make an immediate impact.

“Harmon, obviously, would be stepping into his first regular season action, so there’s a higher standard in terms of his availability,” Tomlin said. “I think that’s appropriate in terms of putting him in a position to perform and to perform well.”

DeShon Elliott missed the Week 2 game against the Seahawks after suffering an MCL sprain in the season opener against the New York Jets. The veteran safety is in his second season with Pittsburgh and signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension in June.

Alex Highsmith suffered his injury in the Seahawks game. The 28-year-old is in his sixth NFL season and has recorded nine tackles and one sack in the first two games of this year.