DeShon Elliott was among the players moved to injured reserve-designated for return during roster cuts. The veteran safety could soon be back in the lineup for the Steelers, though.
Head coach Mike McCarthy announced on Thursday (h/t ESPN’s Brooke Pryor) that Elliott’s practice window is being opened. That will give Pittsburgh 21 days to bring him onto the active roster. Elliott has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in Week 8 last season.
That resulted in a stint on IR, and the 29-year-old was unable to return in time for the playoffs. Elliott was guaranteed to miss the first four weeks of this season given how his situation was handled by Pittsburgh. It is of course encouraging that his practice window is being opened during the first possible week for a return to take place, however.
Elliott could be activated in time for Week 5 depending on how the next few days go at practice. Getting the former sixth-rounder back in the fold somewhat soon will offer a boost to the Steelers, a team which underwent plenty of change at the safety position this offseason. Elliott is under contract through 2027.
In less fortunate injury news, McCarthy also said (video link) receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will miss multiple weeks. A foot injury will keep him out of the fold for now, including a rematch against his former team (the Colts) in Week 5. Acquired via trade this past spring, Pittman joined his second NFL squad with high expectations and a new deal in hand.
Through three games, though, the two-time 1,000-yard wideout has struggled to make an impact on offense. Pittman has made just seven scoreless catches so far. He will aim to increase his effectiveness upon returning to action. In the meantime, the 2-2 Steelers will look for a step forward from a No. 23 ranking in points per game starting with Sunday’s contest against Indianapolis.
