Injury Update: Will DeShon Elliott Play This Week in Ireland?

The Pittsburgh Steelers received a much-needed boost ahead of their Week 4 international matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. Safety DeShon Elliott, who left the season opener with a knee injury, practiced in full on Friday and carries no injury designation. This means Elliott is set to return to the field in Week 4.

The update comes at a crucial time for Pittsburgh’s battered secondary. The Black and Gold lost two starters during the regular season opener, leaving the defense thin and vulnerable. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Elliott is healthy and available, giving the Steelers a key playmaker back in coverage.

Full Injury Update on DeShon Elliott Before Steelers vs. Vikings

Elliott’s knee injury happened during the first quarter of Week 1 against the New York Jets. He was hurt while making a cut in pursuit of a receiver and was ruled out minutes later. Many feared the injury could sideline him for weeks. Instead, the veteran safety has made a rapid recovery, practicing fully this week and avoiding any game-day restrictions.

This return is vital for Pittsburgh. Elliott’s presence strengthens a unit already missing multiple starters. The 27-year-old is known for his reliable tackling and ability to read opposing quarterbacks. Last season, he logged over 90 tackles and multiple pass breakups, proving himself as one of the league’s underrated safeties. His ability to defend the middle of the field will help counter the Vikings’ passing attack, led by star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

While Elliott is back, the Steelers will be without outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. The pass rusher suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 and did not travel with the team to Ireland. His absence will test Pittsburgh’s pass rush depth, forcing players like Nick Herbig and Markus Golden to step up opposite T.J. Watt. Highsmith’s loss is significant — he recorded 14.5 sacks last season and forms one of the NFL’s best edge duos with Watt.

According to reports from Associated Press and ESPN, Tomlin expressed confidence in his defense’s ability to adjust. The team’s focus now shifts to slowing Minnesota’s explosive offense while finding ways to pressure quarterback Jaren Hall without Highsmith.

What This Means for the Steelers in Week 4

Getting Elliott back just before the overseas game is a huge relief for Pittsburgh. The secondary was thin, and facing Jefferson without Elliott would have been risky. His return allows the Steelers to play more aggressively, mix coverages, and trust their deep safety help.

Still, the pass rush will be tested without Highsmith. T.J. Watt remains a force, but Minnesota could shift blocking to slow him down. Depth players must contribute to maintain defensive pressure.

Overall, the injury update on DeShon Elliott gives Pittsburgh a major boost ahead of the Week 4 clash in Ireland. While Alex Highsmith’s absence is a setback, Elliott’s return brings experience and stability to a secondary that badly needed help.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will DeShon Elliott play this week in Ireland?

Yes. Elliott practiced fully on Friday and has no injury designation for Week 4 against the Vikings.

Q2: What injury did DeShon Elliott suffer?

He sustained a knee injury in Week 1 against the New York Jets and left the game early.

Q3: Is Alex Highsmith playing in Week 4?

No. Highsmith suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 and did not travel with the Steelers to Ireland.

Q4: How will Elliott’s return impact the Steelers defense?

His presence strengthens the secondary and helps defend Minnesota’s passing attack, especially deep coverage.

Q5: Where is the Steelers’ Week 4 game being played?

The Week 4 matchup is in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the NFL’s international series.