Steelers Defense Dealt More Blows In Latest Week 2 Injury Report

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is already short-handed for their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

Friday’s injury report confirmed that three key players won’t suit up on Sunday. The Steelers ruled out cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), safety DeShon Elliott (knee), and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee).

Harmon missed Pittsburgh’s Week 1 win over the New York Jets, and head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed earlier this week that the first-round pick wouldn’t make his NFL debut this Sunday. Harmon suffered an MCL sprain in Pittsburgh’s final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

Elliott also sprained his MCL after recording six tackles against the Jets. The Steelers signed Jabrill Peppers earlier this week to help fill the secondary void.

The unit took another hit by losing Porter, who missed practice all week with hamstring tightness. It’s just the second game the third-year cornerback will miss in his young NFL career.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith was also a limited practice on Friday due to an ankle issue. His addition to the injury report creates another concern, but NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said the pass rusher expects to play this Sunday.

Pittsburgh’s defense at least received some good news this week. Nick Herbig was a full practice participant on Thursday and Friday, so the linebacker is slated to play after missing Week 1’s contest.

Pittsburgh prevailed last Sunday despite allowing 32 points, a tally exceeded only once in the last two seasons. The Jets averaged 6.4 yards per play, gaining 182 rushing yards while Justin Fields completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown against his former team.

A banged-up unit will seek better results against Sam Darnold and the Seahawks this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

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