Steelers get significant injury updates on 3 key defensive players leading into Week 4 vs. Vikings

The Pittsburgh Steelers offered injury updates on three key defenders ahead of their Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin.

The Steelers were without outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety DeShon Elliott in the Week 3 win over the New England Patriots.

On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin revealed that Highsmith has already been ruled out, but both Elliott and Porter Jr. have a chance to play.

"You can characterize Alex Highsmith as out this week with his ankle," Tomlin said. "DeShon Elliott and Joey Porter certainly have a chance. I just saw DeShon working out a few minutes ago.

Highsmith's status is no surprise. The veteran suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 and those are typically multi-week injuries. The more severe cases usually incur a four to six week absence, which means Highsmith could land on injured reserve.

Elliott and Porter have been sidelined since suffering knee and hamstring injuries, respectively, in Week 1. Neither player took part in practice last week.

Because the Steelers have a trip to Ireland to make, both Elliott and Porter Jr. are going to have to show they are ready to play fairly early in the week or else the Steelers might leave them behind for their overseas trip.

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