DeShon Elliott's knee injury in Week 1 vs. New York Jets leaves Pittsburgh with a thinner safety room as the Steelers lean on Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark to lead the back end. Jalen Ramsey may slide between corner and safety, with Brandin Echols stepping into a larger role if needed. Rookie Derrick Harmon and Nick Herbig were sidelined, forcing creative package adjustments and a likely shift in coverage schemes early in the season.

Fantasy and betting angles hinge on how Pittsburgh reshapes its safety pairings. Thornhill’s workload could rise, Ramsey’s versatility becomes even more valuable, and Echols’ snap count could surge in coverage alignments. The Steelers need to stay aggressive, but depth will be tested as Elliott’s absence narrows the safety closet and invites tactical tweaks from the coaching staff.

Aaron Rodgers is Steelers offensive captain for 2025, joining Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt as defensive captains, with Miles Killebrew leading special teams. Voted by players, coach Mike Tomlin keeps the captain count tight. Rodgers carries his 15th captaincy into Pittsburgh, Heyward his 11th straight, Watt his 5th, and Killebrew as ST chief. The leadership quartet signals a veteran-driven season plan and a culture shift toward accountability on all phases.

Fantasy angle: Rodgers’ presence suggests a stabilized, more efficient offense, potentially lifting passing floor and target shares for Steelers receivers. Heyward-Watt anchor a stout defense, while Killebrew’s ST leadership could influence field position. Managers should monitor how camp reports shape usage and opportunity across the offense, defense, and special teams, as leadership often translates into steadier weekly scoring.

Overall, the 2025 Steelers appear set to lean on a high-IQ leadership core, with Rodgers steering the offense, Heyward and Watt commanding defense, and Killebrew driving special teams energy. The dynamic could elevate the floor for several fantasy pieces while preserving upside for big-play opportunities on both sides of the ball.

The Steelers shore up safety depth by re-signing Chuck Clark and Max Scharping, while placing Will Howard and Donte Kent on short-term IR. The moves come as Pittsburgh stacks experience behind DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill, and after Minkah Fitzpatrick’s trade-era absences. Clark’s return adds veteran versatility, while Scharping strengthens the interior line to support the run game and protect the young quarterback lineup.