Steelers’ Secondary Depleted Ahead of Key Matchup with Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive depth continues to be tested as injuries pile up heading into Sunday’s matchup with the high-powered Indianapolis Colts. The team announced Friday that veteran safety DeShon Elliott has been placed on injured reserve with a hyperextended knee, while fellow safety Jabrill Peppers has been ruled out due to a quad injury.

The losses come at a difficult time for a defense already stretched thin in the secondary. Elliott’s injury, suffered during last week’s loss to Green Bay, leaves a significant gap in Pittsburgh’s ability to cover tight ends and provide run support — both areas that will be critical against Colts star tight end Tyler Warren and running back Jonathan Taylor. Peppers, who joined the Steelers earlier this season after Elliott’s Week 1 injury, was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice before being sidelined entirely Friday.

The injury setback means Pittsburgh will enter Sunday’s contest with limited options at safety, forcing the coaching staff to rely on recently acquired and less experienced players. Safety Chuck Clark, who took over some of Elliott’s responsibilities last week, was listed as questionable with an illness, adding to the uncertainty.

“It’s part of the game, but it definitely challenges your depth,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Friday. “We’ll do what we have to do to get our guys ready and put them in the best position to compete.”

1. Dugger Set for Rapid Debut

In an effort to stabilize the secondary, Pittsburgh traded for former New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger earlier in the week. The 2020 second-round pick brings experience and athleticism to a position group in flux. Dugger practiced for the first time Thursday and was a full participant both Thursday and Friday despite being listed with a knee injury. Austin indicated that the team hopes to get Dugger on the field in some capacity against the Colts, though how much he’ll play remains uncertain. “We’re going to try to do the best we can to get him ready,” Austin said. “He’s a smart player, and we think he’ll be able to help us even with limited preparation time.” The Steelers also signed former Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest to the practice squad this week, joining rookie Jack Henderson as additional depth options. Forrest, a 2021 fifth-round pick, was among several free agents the team worked out, including ex-Bengals safety Vonn Bell. Juan Thornhill, the team’s lone listed free safety, is expected to anchor the back end of the defense. With Elliott and Peppers unavailable, Thornhill and Dugger could form the team’s primary safety pairing, while Clark’s status will determine how much rotation the group can sustain.

2. Linebacker Depth Also a Concern

The injuries in the secondary aren’t Pittsburgh’s only defensive concern heading into Sunday. Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb, a key part of the team’s run defense, was listed as questionable due to an illness. Holcomb’s availability is especially important against Jonathan Taylor, one of the league’s most physical rushers. The Steelers may, however, receive a boost with the possible return of inside linebacker Malik Harrison. Harrison, who has been on injured reserve with a knee injury, was designated to return and is nearing the end of his 21-day practice window. He practiced throughout the week and was also listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup. Meanwhile, cornerback Cory Trice Jr. has been ruled out after suffering a setback while attempting to return from a hamstring injury. Trice, who had just been cleared to resume practicing, developed a knee issue during the week and did not participate in Friday’s session. The Steelers had hoped his return would strengthen a secondary that has been riddled with absences. With several key defenders either out or uncertain, Pittsburgh’s defense will need to rely on depth, discipline, and an aggressive game plan to slow down an Indianapolis offense averaging over 27 points per game.

3. Preparing for a Tough Test

The Steelers’ injury woes come at a crucial point in the season, with their defense tasked with containing one of the league’s most efficient tight ends in Tyler Warren and a revitalized Colts offense led by quarterback Anthony Richardson. Warren has become a focal point in the red zone, while Taylor’s versatility adds another layer of complexity for Pittsburgh’s depleted unit. Head coach Mike Tomlin and coordinator Teryl Austin have emphasized adaptability throughout the week, preparing for multiple contingencies depending on player availability. Dugger’s familiarity with complex defensive schemes and Thornhill’s experience could be key to weathering the storm. “We’ve got to be smart, communicate well, and trust whoever’s out there,” Austin said. “It’s not ideal, but our expectations don’t change.” As Pittsburgh continues to battle injuries across the roster, its resilience will be tested against one of the AFC’s most potent offenses. The next few games could prove pivotal in determining the Steelers’ playoff hopes — and their defensive depth will play a defining role in that outcome.