The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealing with a laundry list of injuries since training camp, and issues keep popping up. Every time they get positive news on that front, someone else goes down. Prior to the team's Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants, that statement still rings true. Even on a longer week when guys get more time to rest up and prepare for the game, something comes up that throws a wrench into the Steelers' plans, and it shows on the team's first injury report of the week.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin listed out the updates of all the injured players on his typical Tomlin Tuesdays press conference, but he never mentioned DeShon Elliott's name. That's why it was such a surprise to see him on Thursday's report with a back issue. He was listed as a guy that did not participate (DNP) in practice at all, so that will be something to keep an eye on for the rest of the week.
Elliott has quickly grown into one of Steeler Nation's favorite players. His partner at safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, patrols centerfield and prevents the opposing quarterback from throwing anywhere near him. That allows Elliott to play closer to the line of scrimmage and make plays in the run game or help defend the slot position along with Beanie Bishop Jr.
Elliott has 51 total tackles, including two for loss throughout the first seven weeks of the 2024 season. He also has a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception, and three pass breakups. He is already on pace to break his single-season records, as most of them came in his 2022 season with the Detroit Lions. Hopefully, he can recover quickly, so he can be the force that the Steelers need him to be.
Other Steelers Injury Notes
If Elliott can't play on Monday Night Football, Damontae Kazee most likely will. He had been dealing with a twisted ankle ever since the team's Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys, but he was a full participant in practice on Thursday. This wouldn't be the first time he had to fill in for an injured starter for the Steelers, as he did so twice in 2022. Hopefully, he can produce again in that scenario if he is needed to.
The Steelers even have two players on Injured Reserve (IR) that could return. Dylan Cook started practicing prior to Week 7, and he begins Week 8 as a full participant. Pittsburgh's offensive line has been decimated with injuries, as Spencer Anderson was seemingly the backup at all five positions. Getting Cook back should help with the offensive tackle depth a lot and allow Anderson to go back to focusing more on playing guard.
The Steelers' special teams unit has already been a force as of late, and it may get yet another boost. Tyler Matakevich, the team's former captain, has officially been placed on the 21-day window where he can practice with the team again. It is currently unclear if he plays against the Giants, but even if he doesn't, the upcoming bye week will make sure he is 100% ready for the back half of the season.
Speaking of special teams, Cordarrelle Patterson was limited in practice finally. At the very least, it will be great to have him in the running back room again, as his pure speed is a nice change of pace from the power-run game.
This wouldn't be an injury update without things popping up for Roman Wilson. He was a DNP after reportedly aggravating his hamstring issue. At this rate, who knows if he will see the field in 2024 with his severe lack of practice. The Steelers need him to provide something for their weak receiver room, but he keeps getting hurt nonstop.
