The Pittsburgh Steelers might finally be getting some much-needed relief in their defensive backfield, with head coach Mike McCarthy telling reporters Monday that safety DeShon Elliott is “getting close” to making his return from injured reserve. This isn’t just a casual update, either. McCarthy sounded pretty pumped, saying Elliott is “making progress” and is “definitely getting close.” You can tell Elliott is feeling it too, the coach added, noting he’s “chomping at the bit.”
Progress Report: Elliott On The Way Back?
McCarthy apparently got to see Elliott work last week and was impressed, specifically mentioning a “really good workout last Wednesday.” That’s the kind of specific intel you love to hear when a key player is working his way back. Elliott is officially eligible to return from injured reserve as the Steelers enter Week 5 of the season, which is huge. He was initially placed back on IR in late August, a real bummer after he briefly played in the 2026 preseason. That preseason stint was his first action since a knee injury sidelined him for the entire second half of the 2025 season. No wonder he’s “chomping at the bit” to get back on the field. The only slight downer? McCarthy wouldn’t give an exact timeline, which, let’s be real, is pretty standard coach-speak, but still a little frustrating for fans.
The Secondary’s Serious Struggles
Make no mistake, Pittsburgh needs Elliott back, and they need him yesterday. Their defensive backfield has been a mess through the first four games. You know things are tough when Joey Porter Jr. is playing in Dallas, Jamel Dean is banged up, and veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins was straight-up benched during their loss to the Browns. That’s a pretty clear sign the current group just isn’t cutting it. Right now, it’s been Jaquan Brisker, Jenkins, Robert Spears-Jennings, and Jalen Ramsey handling the safety duties. Bringing Elliott back, especially a healthy one “chomping at the bit,” could provide a massive spark and some desperately needed stability. It’s a make or break moment for that unit.
What happens next is all about that timeline McCarthy can’t give us yet. Steelers fans will be glued to every practice report, just hoping to see Elliott suit up. That defensive backfield needs him to step up, and if he’s truly “chomping at the bit,” he could be the jolt they’ve been waiting for.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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