Behind the Steel Curtain
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a weekly Steelers links roundup at BTSC. But first, let’s take a look around the AFC North:
What’s the latest on the Steelers’ upcoming opponent?
Now, onto some Steelers news and discussion:
(From NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack): The Black and Gold sit atop the AFC North at 4-3, but Mike Tomlin’s bunch is reeling of late, having lost two straight games in which they gave up 68 combined points. Safety DeShon Elliott suffered a hyperextended knee in the team’s Week 9 loss to the Packers and is going on injured reserve, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, so the acquisition of Dugger provides Pittsburgh with a potential replacement for the time being, plus excellent depth whenever Elliott is able to return.
It looks like DeShon Elliott is headed to injured reserve despite Mike Tomlin calling his injury week to week in Tuesday’s press conference. Still, IR’s four-game minimum means Elliott might not be out for the season.
Pittsburgh hasn’t put Elliott on IR yet, but expect that move to be announced soon. The Steelers have a number of reported roster moves they haven’t yet made official this week.
(From SI’s Jacob Punturi): After suffering and recovering from a potentially career-ending knee injury, (Holcomb’s) returned to starter-level football. In recognition of his journey, his teammates voted him as the 2025 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.
The award is voted on annually by Steelers players and given to ”a player who has shown courage either coming back from an injury or a life-altering situation.” Holcomb follows Cory Trice Jr., who received the honor in 2024.
It’s hard to think of a more deserving Steeler for this year’s Ed Block Courage Award. Whatever your thoughts are on this year’s inside linebacker rotation, Holcomb’s return to significant snaps after 2023’s gruesome injury is nothing short of impressive.
(From Steelers Now’s Chris Ward): “I think we’re always open for business,” Tomlin said. “Particularly as we get close to the trade deadline. We’re always buyers. We’re always buyers. We’re always trying to position ourself to be the best that we can be this year. But that not only applies to the secondary that you asked about. I’m sure that applies to all three phases of the game.”
A statement that proved...
