Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Deshon Elliott (25) reacts after an interception on a pass thrown by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) during the second quarter during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Steelers Star Defender Suffers Gruesome Knee Injury

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 10:34 PM ET

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers defense lost one of its most important members during their Week 8 contest against the Green Bay Packers. In a tight matchup, the two teams were battling back and forth looking for an edge. As the Steelers defense took the field for their first drive of the second half, disaster struck.

Steelers safety DeShon Elliott suffered a gruesome looking injury to open the second half against the Packers. A prayer of a pass from Packers quarterback Jordan Love connected with tight end Tucker Kraft. As Elliott tracked him down and made the tackle, his right ankle and lower leg were trapped under Kraft as he fell awkwardly to the ground.

Elliott stayed on the ground visibly in pain for several moments as medical staff tended to him. He was unable to put any weight on the injured leg and he required assistance to leave the field. After getting to the sidelines, he was carted off the field and taken for further evaluation. The team ruled him out for the game almost immediately after the injury.

NFL insider Adam Schefter shared a video of the play via his X account. While it was a celebration of the play by the Packers tight end, it did also show the graphic and gruesome injury.

On National Tight End Day, TE Tucker Kraft: pic.twitter.com/vIINgrmPoY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2025

What Elliott Injury Means for Steelers

Elliott has been the go-to guy on defense since the team traded away Minkah Fitzpatrick. As the main communicator and impact player, his loss will be massive for the Steelers to make up.

Without him in the lineup, the safety position takes a huge hit. Juan Thornhil has played well over the past few weeks, but he’s not an anchor for the position. Veterans Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers will be the next two players to receive more snaps and time on defense.

Peppers is the player who elicits the most intrigue. A former first-round pick and Pro Bowl player, he was an exciting addition to the team after Elliott suffered a separate injury earlier in the season. He played well in relief of Elliott, but his role had been reduced over the past few weeks with a healthy group.

Now, Peppers will once again get a shot to climb up the lineup. Similarly, Clark will now be counted on to provide even more for the defense. The team will need all the help it can get as they navigate losing a defensive star.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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