And though Elliott is known for setting the tone in run defense, the difference with him on and off the field in passing situations is even more stark. The Steelers are second in allowing 6.4 passing yards per attempt with Elliott on the field and last with 9.1 yards playing without him.

It was only the third time Pittsburgh had given up over 300 passing yards this campaign. The Steelers' secondary was understandably frustrated, and safety DeShon Elliott did not mince words when critiquing the unit's performance against the Chiefs.

Pittsburgh's defense has faded in the absence of key role players, some of whom might remain out against the Chiefs on Christmas Day.

The Steelers will be without top run defender DeShon Elliott for the second game in a row, while wide receiver George Pickens also will not play against the Ravens.

Elliott (hamstring) was a full participant in Monday's practice ahead of Pittsburgh's Week 17 outing against the Ravens, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports. Elliot has missed back-to-back games for the Steelers,

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost three games in 11 days, all by double digits, as they watch their AFC North chances fade as a result. Two Ravens wins to end t

Alex Highsmith was one of the Pittsburgh Steelers to call out the team after losing their third straight game.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will get four critical players back for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Cornerback Donte Jackson, wide receiver George Pickens, safety DeShon Elliott, and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi are off the injury report and will return after missing games.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face the Chiefs with everything on the line, and these five bold predictions highlight what could unfold in Week 17.

The defense got the necessary stops in the second quarter after allowing 13 points to Kansas City on its first two possessions – the Chiefs missed a PAT in perhaps their only mistake of the game – but then allowed 17 points on three consecutive possessions to open the second half.

Missed assignments, blown coverages, a lack of urgency to make corrections — they’re the same mistakes week after week, and Steelers defenders had their frustrations boil over in the moments after the Chiefs embarrassed them 29-10 on Wednesday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium.