SAD NEWS: Steelers Receive Great Injury News for Week 7 Paris Game vs. Saints
PITTSBURGH — In a development that has tempered the usual optimism surrounding a key defensive reinforcement, the Pittsburgh Steelers received what can only be described as “great” injury news ahead of their historic Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Paris. The return of safety DeShon Elliott to full practice participation is a significant boost for a battered defense, yet it casts a somber shadow over the team’s broader health situation as they prepare for the first-ever NFL regular-season game in France.
The “sad” reality for the Steelers (4-2) is that while Elliott’s return is a welcome sight, it merely highlights the sheer volume of absences the team is enduring. On Wednesday’s injury report, Elliott (knee) was a full participant, marking a major step toward his activation from the Reserve/Injured List . However, his presence on the field only underscores the gaps elsewhere. The team’s top receivers, Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, remain on IR, and Ben Skowronek (calf) was a non-participant in Wednesday’s session, leaving the receiving corps perilously thin for quarterback DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard .
The defensive front is equally concerning. While Elliott returns, the Steelers listed starting outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) as a limited participant. Highsmith’s history of soft-tissue issues makes his status one to monitor closely, and his potential absence would thrust Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer into larger roles opposite T.J. Watt . Watt himself, along with veteran Cameron Heyward, was listed as a non-participant due to rest, a standard procedure for the aging core but a reminder of the team’s reliance on veteran management .
In the secondary, the news is mixed. While Elliott is back, cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey (wrist) and Brandin Echols (hamstring) did not practice. Echols is a new addition to the report, and his absence, combined with Ramsey’s, puts significant pressure on the remaining cornerback room to contain Saints receivers Chris Olave and the emerging Devaughn Vele .
The sadness extends to the opponent’s sideline as well, diminishing the spectacle of the international showcase. The Saints will be without rookie first-round pick Jordyn Tyson, who will not practice this week and is expected to remain on injured reserve through the bye week, delaying his NFL debut . While not a Steelers issue, the absence of a top draft pick in a marquee international game is a loss for the fans in Paris.
Furthermore, the backdrop of this historic game is clouded by civil unrest in France. The NFL has confirmed that the game will proceed as scheduled at Stade de France, but heightened security measures are in place due to protests and riots in the capital . Coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the team is monitoring the situation, stating, “We’re aware of the situation over there and have a lot of confidence in our plan” . The need for such precautions adds a layer of gravity to what should be a celebratory occasion for the league’s international expansion.
For the Steelers, the return of DeShon Elliott is a genuine positive. His presence stabilizes a secondary that has missed his physicality and range since his 2025 season ended prematurely . However, the celebration is muted by the reality that this team is still far from full strength. The “great news” of one player’s return is a small beacon in a week filled with injury absences, logistical challenges, and a somber security environment. As the team departs for Paris on Thursday, they do so with a roster held together by depth and hope, rather than a clean bill of health .
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