Steelers Secondary Hit Hard: Peppers, Clark Out
The Pittsburgh Steelers face significant challenges heading into their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts. A combination of injuries in their secondary has left the team scrambling for options.
Injuries Impact Steelers’ Roster
On Friday, the Steelers placed safety DeShon Elliott on injured reserve due to a hyperextended knee. Shortly after, Jabrill Peppers was ruled out with a quad injury. Just a day later, safety Chuck Clark and linebacker Cole Holcomb were also downgraded to out due to illness. This leaves the team’s secondary particularly thin as they prepare to face one of the league’s most potent offenses.
Notable Injuries
- DeShon Elliott – Injured Reserve (hyperextended knee)
- Jabrill Peppers – Out (quad injury)
- Chuck Clark – Out (illness)
- Cole Holcomb – Out (illness)
Peppers, who previously played for the New England Patriots, joined the Steelers earlier this season following Elliott’s injury in Week 1. He had been limited in practice prior to being ruled out, highlighting the team’s injury management struggles.
Depth Chart Changes
As of this week, the Steelers’ strong safety lineup has been heavily affected. Prior to the injuries, the main strong safeties were Elliott, Clark, and Peppers. Meanwhile, Juan Thornhill remains the only designated free safety. The team has also promoted players from the practice squad, including rookie Jack Henderson and Darrick Forrest, who was signed earlier this week.
To bolster depth, the Steelers traded for Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots. Though he practices with a knee injury, he is expected to be available for the upcoming match.
Upcoming Game Preparations
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin expressed hope that Dugger can contribute despite the tight timeframe for his adjustment after joining the team. Meanwhile, Malik Harrison returns from injured reserve after being sidelined since Week 1, potentially strengthening Pittsburgh’s inside linebacker position.
Unfortunately, cornerback Cory Trice Jr. has been ruled out for the Colts game as well. He was attempting to return from a hamstring injury but encountered a new setback with a knee issue during practice. His absence further complicates the Steelers’ defensive strategies.
As the Steelers prepare to face the Colts, their defensive lineup will require urgent adjustments to handle a high-powered offense effectively. The team remains focused on maximizing the available talent to mitigate the impact of these injuries.
