The Pittsburgh Steelers received tough news ahead of Saturday’s critical AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens. Safety DeShon Elliott, a key piece in the Steelers’ defense, has been officially ruled out due to a hamstring injury. This marks the second consecutive game Elliott will miss, and his absence couldn’t come at a worse time.
Elliott’s physicality and field vision have been pivotal for the Steelers’ secondary this season, particularly in matchups requiring disciplined coverage and solid tackling. Elliott ranks second on the team in tackles with 96 (behind Patrick Queen’s 109) and leads the team in fumbles recovered with three. Facing the Ravens without him means Pittsburgh must significantly adjust its defensive game plan.
Baltimore’s offensive weapons, including powerhouse running back Derrick Henry and tight end Mark Andrews, pose a substantial challenge. Elliott’s ability to disrupt plays in the secondary and provide strong support against the run will be sorely missed, as it was in Pittsburgh’s Week 15 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The defense missed a season-high 20 tackles in the loss.
Without Elliott, the Steelers’ defense must rely on a “next man up” mentality. Expect an increased workload for other safeties in the rotation, who will need to step up in a big way to contain the Ravens’ explosive offense. The Steelers’ front seven will also need to bring their A-game, minimizing opportunities for Baltimore to exploit mismatches in the secondary.
This game has playoff implications, making Elliott’s absence even more impactful. Let’s hope Pittsburgh adapts and rises to the occasion in Baltimore.
S DeShon Elliott (hamstring) has been downgraded to OUT for Saturday’s game in BAL. That’s a big loss to not have Elliott for a second straight week, especially facing Derrick Henry and tight end Mark Andrews
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 20, 2024
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