Things have escalated from bad to worse for Pittsburgh Steelers starting safety DeShon Elliott, who was initially only ruled out for the Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

On October 31, the Steelers announced that they would be transferring Elliott to the injured reserve, along with veteran defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale. This prompted an update from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, and it wasn’t good news.

“The Steelers placed S DeShon Elliott and DT Daniel Ekuale on Injured Reserve,” Rapoport informed. “Ekuale tore his ACL and Elliott (knee) is out for the foreseeable future, likely the season, as well.”

Pittsburgh has been very cryptic about Elliott’s knee injury, but it didn’t look good when it occurred, as the veteran was in visible pain. Now, it appears the Steelers’ worst fears might be a reality, as Elliott will be sidelined for at least four weeks and possibly much longer.

Steelers’ Week 9 Actions Hinted DeShon Elliott’s Injury Could Be Long-Term

GettyPittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill will likely see an increased role after the DeShon Elliott injury.

They say actions speak louder than words, and although the Steelers kept the long-term prognosis of Elliott’s injury a secret this week, their actions hinted that he could be out a while.

The Steelers first signed a former starting safety in Darrick Forest, then agreed to a trade with the New England Patriots for ex-starter Kyle Dugger.

Between Forest and Dugger, head coach Mike Tomlin is likely hoping he can patch up the back end of his defense without Elliott. Of course, he also has free agent acquisition Juan Thornhill as a potentially important chess piece to work with.

“[Elliott is] a significant component of what we do, particularly relative to some of the things that Indy does well,” Tomlin told reporters this week. “He is a central figure in our secondary in terms of run defense, for example. He covers tight ends in passing circumstances, so certainly we have some adapting to do in terms of how we divide the labor up this week.”

Continuing: “But that’s always the case when you lose someone, particularly someone significant. It’s not a one-person job. It’s a multiple-person job. That’s the spirit in which we’re planning. There will be several people given an opportunity to meet the demands of what he does for us.”

Thornhill has appeared in all 7 of the Steelers’ games this season, but he’s only been credited with 1 start. That could change following the injury to Elliott.

Steelers Rule Out Several Players for Week 9 vs. Colts

The Steelers are down another safety in Week 9, as the team ruled out veteran Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps) on October 31, per team reporter Teresa Varley.

Wide receiver Scotty Miller (finger) will also miss this contest, along with Elliott and Peppers, and cornerback Cory Trice Jr. was ruled out as he works his way back from a “hamstring/knee” injury.

According to Varley and the Steelers, four players are officially questionable for Week 9, too. Those players are quarterback Will Howard (right hand), starting safety Chuck Clark (illness), linebacker Malik Harrison (knee), and linebacker Cole Holcomb (illness).

Clark will be a key name to watch, considering the aforementioned absences at safety. Without him, it might be Thornhill and a newcomer leading the snap count at the position.