The Pittsburgh Steelers’ safety situation took a hit when their starting safety suffered a knee injury. DeShon Elliott, a key leader on the defense, hyperextended his knee and is now sidelined week-to-week. So head coach Mike Tomlin, without wasting much time, moved on to fill a hole in their defense. 

They quietly made their move. Reportedly, the Steelers are signing veteran safety Darrick Forrest to their practice squad. The 26-year-old safety has solid NFL experience and was a fifth-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2021. 

His career includes 40 games with 17 starts over four years, though he’s had his ups and downs recently. He was cut by two teams earlier this year: the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts. But Forrest brings 1,278 defensive snaps and 440 special teams snaps. 

This blend of youth and special teams expertise probably gave him the edge over other veterans the Steelers worked out, like Vonn Bell and Eddie Jackson. 

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Forrest’s story isn’t about big-name flash but reliable, gritty play. These were his Pro Day numbers:  

• 4.43-second 40-yard dash
• 39-inch vertical
• bench pressing 225 pounds 21 times

That’s exactly the kind of athletic profile that can help the Steelers plug a gap quickly. Having logged extensive special teams snaps also means he fits the Steelers’ culture. Players who contribute in multiple ways and don’t just hang around waiting for starting roles. 

Forrest moves in as depth behind Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, and Jabrill Peppers, all healthy safeties currently on the roster. If Elliott’s injury lingers, Forrest could easily see action. But there was another free agent safety, Shilo Sanders, and the Steelers passed on him.

Mike Tomlin passes on Shilo Sanders

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut Shilo in August after his infamous brawl on the field. And since then, he hasn’t found a roster spot. Despite being available, the Steelers showed no interest in signing him, even as they explored safeties to cover Elliott’s injury. 

However, Shilo’s off-field ventures, including a growing social media presence and entertainment deals, suggest he’s already planning life beyond football. His recent tease of new music dropping in November has fans buzzing, but it also points to a possible shift away from the gridiron.

But that’s not all. Sanders’ past financial troubles, including a bankruptcy filing and legal issues linked to a default judgment, add complexity to his story. Mike Tomlin’s decision to sign Forrest while ignoring Sanders signals that they are focused on immediate, dependable football contributors over potential long-term projects or distractions.

The Steelers are playing it safe, signing a proven player to buffer the uncertainty caused by Elliott’s injury while Sanders continues his free agent shuffle far from Pittsburgh’s roster.