In less than two weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers will report to training camp in Latrobe. Saint Vincent College will welcome the team as it ushers in a new era of Steelers football. Head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff will lead the team onto Chuck Noll Field for the first time in the McCarthy era. They also will begin answering several important questions surrounding the 2026 roster.
Among those questions is the team's overall health. Several players are returning from season-ending injuries, while others have lengthy histories of missing time. Here are four bills of health that will be under the microscope during training camp:
Deshon Elliott
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When Deshon Elliott is on the field, as he showed in 2024, he is capable of playing at an elite level as a box safety. He excels against the run while also erasing tight ends in coverage. Unfortunately, one of the biggest concerns throughout his career has been his availability, and that issue resurfaced last season.
Elliott suffered a knee injury in Week 1 that he later aggravated. The injury ultimately ended his season. The Steelers already face questions at free safety and whether they have the personnel to allow Jalen Ramsey to roam. They can't afford to lose Elliott for an extended period.
Jamel Dean
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Dean has never played a full season during his NFL career, typically missing between one and four games each year. That injury history may have contributed to the Steelers landing him at a bargain price in free agency. When healthy, however, he ranks among the NFL's top cornerbacks.
The Steelers have been the subject of speculation about potentially trading a cornerback before the season, but they should be cautious. Dean is as talented as almost any corner in the league, yet his injury history makes quality depth behind him especially valuable. Dean missed multiple games last year with a shoulder injury.
Broderick Jones
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The biggest wrench in the Steelers' plans came when Broderick Jones suffered a neck injury. It remains unclear when he will return, assuming he is able to play at all in 2026. His level of participation once training camp begins will be worth monitoring. It also could provide clues about how the Steelers plan to handle his roster status.
Jones has been dealt a tough hand by injuries. He will have to work overtime to regain playing shape and could be a candidate to begin the season on either injured reserve or the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Donte Kent
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Donte Kent was working his way back from injured reserve last season when he suffered another injury setback. Now, he finds himself on the outside looking in. He still has a chance to make the roster because of his ability to play both boundary and slot corner, and he also brings value as a kick and punt returner.
Kent will need to prove last season's injuries were simply an unfortunate stretch of bad luck. There is a legitimate role for him to carve out with a strong training camp and preseason, but he faces an uphill battle that begins with proving he is healthy.
