Steelers Will Be Without Multiple Essential Defenders Against Indianapolis

As the Pittsburgh Steelers get ready to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, they’ll do so short-handed once again. Several key players, especially on defense, will be missing, leaving holes the team will have to cover. The game is crucial for Pittsburgh as the team looks to snap a two-game losing streak and regain some confidence heading into the second half of the regular season. With injuries piling up, the Steelers will once again have to rely on the next man up and hope their depth can hold up.

The team announced on Saturday that linebacker Cole Holcomb and safety Chuck Clark have both been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup due to illness. Neither Holcomb or Clark practiced throughout the week, and despite initial optimism that they might recover in time, neither was able to make enough progress to suit up. Their absences leaves a noticeable hole in the middle of the Steelers’ defense, particularly Holcomb, who has been one of the team’s most consistent tacklers since returning from a serious knee injury that he suffered in 2023.

The Steelers removed Malik Harrison from Injured Reserve (IR) on Saturday, so he could help the defense in some way. Harrison has been out with a knee injury since Week 1, and he will likely get plenty of snaps alongside Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson on Sunday.

Clark’s absence also stings. Acquired in the offseason to provide veteran depth and leadership in the secondary, Clark has struggled at times in 2025, but he is fifth on the team in tackles. Without him, Pittsburgh will have to rely on the brand-new safety duo in Juan Thornhill and Kyle Dugger. Thornhill has had an up-and-down season so far, and Dugger just joined the team this week and only has two practices under his belt. 

To make matters worse, the Steelers are paper-thin at the position, with Thornhill and Dugger being the only healthy safeties on the roster. DeShon Elliott was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after suffering a knee injury in last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers, and Jabrill Peppers won’t play either as he continues to deal with a quadricep injury. 

Steelers fans will have to keep waiting to see the season debut of cornerback Cory Trice Jr., who was once again ruled out because of ongoing hamstring and knee issues. Trice is in his third year out of Purdue and has had nothing but bad luck since entering the league. 

He missed all of his rookie season in 2023 after tearing his ACL and has battled one injury after another ever since. The Steelers were hoping this would finally be the year he could make an impact, especially given how shaky the cornerback play has been lately, but it looks like that’ll have to wait at least another week.

Steelers Might Look To A Veteran Superstar To Change Positions Due To Injuries

With Clark, Elliott, and Peppers out for Sunday's game against the Colts, the Steelers could turn to veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey to provide some help at the safety position.

Ramsey has been known for his ability to play all over the field, and it is not uncommon for cornerbacks to transition to safety in the later stages of their career. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset in shoring up a depleted secondary. 

Ramsey will likely spend some time at safety on Sunday, but don’t expect him to be there on every snap. His primary role will still be at cornerback, where his coverage skills can make a more immediate impact, but his presence in the secondary rotation will be crucial in keeping the Steelers competitive against the Colts’ passing attack.