DeShon Elliott injury update: New details emerge on Steelers safety, timeline to return

Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott suffered an MCL sprain during Sunday’s 34-32 Week 1 victory over the New York Jets. Elliott is expected to miss a couple of weeks with the knee injury, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Steelers hope to have Elliott back for the Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland.

Elliott, 28, opened the season as a starter at safety alongside Juan Thornhill. He made six tackles (five solo). Elliott signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension with $9.21 million guaranteed this offseason. He had one more year remaining on the two-year deal he signed with Pittsburgh last offseason. Elliott appeared in 15 games this past season, tallying a career-high 108 tackles (72 solo), one interception, two forced fumbles and six PBUs.

Before Schultz reported that Elliott would miss time, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that veteran safety Jabrill Peppers is expected to sign with the Steelers. Peppers, 29, was a surprise release from the New England Patriots ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown despite being a team captain last season.

Steelers pivot after DeShon Elliott injury

Peppers, a 2017 first-round selection, has spent time with the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Patriots. Over eight NFL seasons, Peppers has recorded 511 tackles (311 solo), 30 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, seven interceptions, 35 PBUs and six forced fumbles.

He’s another veteran addition to Pittsburgh’s new-look secondary. Former All-Pros Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay were brought in this offseason, and the former was PFF‘s No. 9 highest-graded cornerback in Week 1.

“I’m glad he’s on my team. I’ve seen it in stadiums before,” head coach Mike Tomlin said of Ramsey. “I’ve certainly been an appreciator of his skills and talents. Can’t say enough about him, man. He played nickel, he played free safety, he played outside corner. He is a top-notch football player and I’m glad he’s on our team.”