Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns and was carted to the locker room. The veteran defender has been ruled out for the remainder of the matchup, dealing a blow to Pittsburgh’s special teams and defensive depth.
The incident occurred during a kickoff return when Killebrew planted his foot awkwardly while chasing down the Browns’ return man. He immediately grabbed at his knee before being attended to by medical staff and transported off the field. The Steelers announced shortly after that he would not return.
Miles Killebrew’s Injury and What It Means for the Steelers
This injury is significant for Pittsburgh. Killebrew, a special teams captain since 2022, has been a critical presence in the Steelers’ locker room and on the field. He joined the team in 2021 and quickly became one of the league’s top special teamers. In 2023, he played all 17 games, recording 26 tackles and a safety, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection. He followed that with another Pro Bowl nod in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s elite in his role.
His leadership extends beyond the field. Earlier this season, Killebrew defended rookie returner Kaleb Johnson after a costly mistake against Seattle, emphasizing the importance of resilience and humility. That leadership will now be crucial in reverse as Killebrew faces time on the sidelines and relies on teammates for support.
At halftime, the Steelers held a 9-3 lead over Cleveland, and a win would push them to 4-1 on the season. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who signed with Pittsburgh this offseason at age 41, has been instrumental in the team’s strong start. But much of the Steelers’ success has also come from their defense, which entered Week 6 with a +7 turnover differential — the second-best in the NFL.
Killebrew’s absence could test that defensive depth in the coming weeks. The Steelers may need to rely more heavily on backups in the secondary and rework their special teams coverage units. Depending on the severity of the injury, his timeline for return could range from several weeks to potentially season-ending, though no official update has been released beyond Sunday’s announcement.
Looking Ahead: Steelers Await Further Evaluation
The team is expected to conduct further tests on Killebrew’s knee in the coming days to determine the full extent of the injury. If imaging reveals structural damage, Pittsburgh could be forced to make roster adjustments to cover the loss. The Steelers have leaned heavily on their defensive playmakers and special teams discipline during their hot start, and losing Killebrew would be a significant setback in both areas.
For now, Pittsburgh’s focus remains on closing out the game against Cleveland and maintaining momentum heading deeper into the season. The team will likely provide more clarity on Killebrew’s condition early this week. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for positive news for one of the Steelers’ most respected veterans.
Miles Killebrew’s injury is a developing story, and updates will follow once the Steelers release additional information about his condition and recovery timeline.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: What happened to Miles Killebrew?
He suffered a knee injury while chasing down a return man on a kickoff in the second quarter against the Browns and was carted to the locker room.
Q2: Will Miles Killebrew return to the game?
No. The Steelers announced he would not return after suffering the knee injury on Sunday.
Q3: How important is Miles Killebrew to the Steelers?
He is a special teams captain and two-time Pro Bowler known for his leadership and consistent play since joining Pittsburgh in 2021.
Q4: What’s next for the Steelers without Killebrew?
The team will need to adjust its special teams unit and secondary depth chart while awaiting test results to determine Killebrew’s recovery timeline.
Q5: What’s the Steelers’ record this season?
Pittsburgh is aiming to improve to 4-1 with a win over Cleveland, buoyed by strong defense and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
References
Associated Press. (2025). Steelers safety Miles Killebrew carted off with knee injury vs. Browns. October 12, 2025.
Reuters. (2025). Pittsburgh’s Miles Killebrew exits game with knee injury. October 12, 2025.
BBC Sport. (2025). Steelers special teams star Miles Killebrew injured in Week 6 clash. October 12, 2025.
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