Steelers receive big injury update on starting defender

One of the worst setbacks the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered last season was DeShon Elliott's Week 8 injury, where the star safety appeared to damage his knee. But Elliott has now revealed what really happened.

Making an appearance on the Not Just Football with Cam Heyward podcast, Elliott shed light on his injury, clarifying that it wasn't his knee at all — it was his hamstring.

"Basically a freak accident, a guy landed on my knee, hyperextending my knee," Elliott said. "But the structure of my knee was 100%. I didn't hurt anything in my knee. I actually tore my hamstring. The hamstring, behind my knee, tore off the bone. So, they had to reattach that. …

"I've never had non-weight-bearing injuries. Those first two months were pretty hard, and then I finally hit a peak. And after that, it just has been a lot easier now. Now, it is just about getting my strength back and getting my pop back, which is coming along pretty smoothly. Honestly, I've been running really well, jumping, cutting, doing all the things I need to be doing."

Continuing to shed light on his setback, Elliott said he thought he suffered a "Nick Chubb-type" injury, one that resulted in a torn MCL, significant damage to his meniscus, and medial capsule for the former Browns running back.

Hopefully, with Elliott feeling confident in his running, strength, cutting ability, and overall play following the injury, a return could be in the cards sooner rather than later, as the new-look Steelers seek a defensive resurgence in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' DeShon Elliott reveals the extent of 2025 injury