Steelers Activate DeShon Elliott for Paris Showdown Against Saints
The Pittsburgh Steelers take the field at Stade de France in Paris missing multiple players due to injuries, including defensive back Brandin Echols and receiver Ben Skowronek, steelers.com reported. Safety DeShon Elliott returns to the 53-man roster from the Reserve/Injured List for his first appearance of the 2026 season.
Elliott originally landed on the injured list on August 30 and returned to practice on October 8. The team faced a 21-day decision window to activate him or keep him on the list for the rest of the season. He appeared in just five games during the 2025 campaign before a similar finish on the Reserve/Injured List. Over 77 career games with 69 starts, Elliott has recorded 429 tackles, 291 solo stops, 25 passes defensed, five interceptions, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and 4.5 sacks.
Mike McCarthy Welcomes Leader Back to Defense
Head coach Mike McCarthy said Elliott's return helps the locker room and defense. DeShon Elliott, he’s one of our leaders, number one,
McCarthy said. You look at what he brings to the locker room. Just to watch him fight back from this injury. He’s definitely someone you root for. It’s been a real milestone for him to get to this point. It definitely would be huge for him to play again, especially Sunday against the Saints.
Mike McCarthy on possible return of DeShon Elliott on Sunday: "DeShon Elliott, he's one of our leaders, number one. I mean, you look at just what he brings to the locker room. So, and just to watch him fight back from this injury, he's definitely someone you root for. So, it's…”
The defense also deals with ongoing roster losses on the line. Defensive end Sebastian Joseph-Day moved to the Reserve/Injured List this week after playing six games with 10 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and a fumble recovery. Joseph-Day joins Derrick Harmon on the injured list, leaving rookies Gabriel Rubio and Kevin Jobity Jr. to step up. Jobity makes his NFL debut against New Orleans.
I love our young guys,
McCarthy said regarding the replacements. I think it’s important when you go all the way back to the spring, the offseason program, training camp, you have to develop these young players because history will show that they’re playing in the biggest games of the year, come November, December, and here we are in Paris. We have great confidence in our young players.
Germie Bernard and Elevated Practice Squad Options Fill Receiver Gaps
Offensively, Pittsburgh plays without Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr., who remain on the Reserve/Injured List alongside Skowronek. Rookie receiver Germie Bernard steps into a larger role after catching 11 passes for 87 yards and his first career touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I think it’s just the trust that we’re able to build from the offseason,
Bernard said of working with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He sees the work that I’m willing to put in, to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He sees that I am prepared when the opportunity presents itself. And so, I think that’s where the trust comes in.
The Steelers also elevated receivers Brandon Johnson and Brandon Smith from the practice squad for the game. Johnson brings experience from stints with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, totaling 26 receptions for 335 yards and five touchdowns across 23 games. Smith joins the active roster for game-day depth after prior elevations against the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Paris Matchup
Why is Stade de France hosting this game?
The contest takes place at Stade de France in Paris as part of the NFL’s international series, bringing regular-season football to European fans.
What does DeShon Elliott’s return mean for the defense?
Elliott provides an immediate leadership boost and veteran presence in the secondary after missing nearly the entire season since his August 30 placement on the Reserve/Injured List.
Who is replacing injured defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day?
Rookie Gabriel Rubio and Kevin Jobity Jr. step into the rotation on the defensive line, with Jobity making his NFL debut.
How many career touchdowns does Brandon Johnson have?
Johnson enters the game with five career touchdowns, having previously recorded 19 receptions for 284 yards and four scores for the Denver Broncos in 2023.