BE.BREAKING: Back in Dublin? Steelers Defense Prepares for Timely Reinforcement – ​​Will It Be Enough to Beat the Opponent or Just a Faint Hope?

PITTSBURGH, PA — Just in time for their highly anticipated international matchup in Dublin, the Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to get key reinforcements in the secondary. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed this week that cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) and safety DeShon Elliott (knee) are both trending toward a return after missing the team’s last two games.

While both players are expected to be eased back into action, their return could provide a critical boost to a defensive unit that has undergone significant changes this season.

“It’s not just the injuries,” said Tomlin. “It’s the fact that so many of these guys are new to Pittsburgh. Getting Porter and Elliott back will help us build the cohesion we need.”

Revamped Secondary Taking Shape

Pittsburgh’s secondary has seen a major overhaul in recent months. In addition to Porter and Elliott, the team added multiple high-profile veterans, including Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill, and Jabrill Peppers. The group brings both talent and experience, but Tomlin has emphasized the importance of chemistry—something the team hopes to develop quickly with key players returning.

Both Porter and Elliott are familiar with the system and could serve as stabilizing presences in a secondary still learning to play as a unit.

No Highsmith, But Depth Returns

The Steelers will be without standout edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who is officially ruled out for the Dublin game. His absence is a blow, especially in terms of generating pressure up front, but the coaching staff believes that improved coverage on the back end could help mitigate the loss.

With Ramsey and Slay anchoring the corners, and a rotation of Thornhill, Peppers, and now Elliott returning at safety, Pittsburgh’s defense may have enough talent to withstand the temporary loss of their pass-rushing star.

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DUBLIN

Dublin

Dublin Game Carries Extra Weight

The game in Dublin marks a milestone not just for the Steelers, but for the NFL’s ongoing international expansion. With Pittsburgh boasting one of the league’s largest global fanbases, expectations are high for a strong showing on European soil.

Currently sitting at 2-1, a win against the Minnesota Vikings would push the Steelers to 3-1 and provide early momentum in what looks to be a tightly contested AFC North race.

Outlook: Defensive Identity Taking Shape

As the Steelers continue to build their identity in 2025, the defense remains central to Tomlin’s philosophy. The return of Porter Jr. and Elliott, combined with the arrival of proven playmakers in the secondary, gives Pittsburgh a real opportunity to solidify its back end and limit explosive plays.

If cohesion continues to build and key players stay healthy, the Steelers could quickly emerge as one of the league’s more balanced defensive units.

“We’re not where we want to be yet,” Tomlin added, “but we’re getting closer every week.”