A Clock Is Ticking on a Contract That Could Shift the NFC Power Balance

Pittsburgh, PA — September 18, 2025 — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has made a bold disciplinary move, benching three key players—cornerback Joey Porter Jr., outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, and safety DeShon Elliott—for missing Wednesday’s practice as the team prepares for a critical Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots. The decision comes as the Steelers, sitting at 1-1 after a 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, grapple with a rash of injuries and mounting pressure to stabilize their roster. The trio’s absence from practice on September 17 stemmed from injuries: Porter Jr. is nursing a hamstring issue, Highsmith is sidelined with a high ankle sprain, and Elliott is recovering from an MCL sprain. All three missed the Seahawks game, where Pittsburgh’s defense struggled, allowing 117 rushing yards to Kenneth Walker III, including a game-sealing touchdown. Tomlin, known for his no-nonsense approach, reportedly views their failure to attend practice, even if injury-related, as a breach of team standards during a pivotal week. “We’re in a tough spot, but accountability comes first,” Tomlin said in a press conference. “If you’re not on the field preparing with your teammates, you’re not playing. We need everyone locked in to turn this around.” The move underscores Tomlin’s emphasis on discipline as the Steelers face a Patriots team that racked up 122 rushing yards in their Week 2 win over Miami. Porter Jr., a rising star in the secondary, missed his second straight game in Week 2 due to his hamstring injury. Highsmith, a key pass rusher, suffered his ankle sprain in the first quarter against Seattle and has a history of soft tissue injuries, including a groin issue in 2024. Elliott’s MCL sprain, sustained during a tackle attempt, has kept him off the field, with a potential return targeted for Week 4. The decision to bench them has sparked debate, especially with the team already thin at key positions due to injuries to linebacker Patrick Queen (ribs) and rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee), though both returned to practice this week. The Steelers have taken steps to bolster their roster, signing veteran linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and safety Jabrill Peppers to the practice squad. Bentley, who rejected a $6 million offer from the Los Angeles Chargers, could see an elevated role if Queen remains limited. Fans on X are divided, with some praising Tomlin’s tough stance—“This is the Steeler way!”—while others worry it risks further depleting an injury-ravaged defense. As Pittsburgh aims to shore up its run defense and avoid a 1-2 start in the competitive AFC North, Tomlin’s disciplinary action sends a clear message: no player is above the team’s standards. Whether this gamble galvanizes the roster or exacerbates their struggles will be evident Sunday at Gillette Stadium.