Steelers Bolster Defense Amid Injuries With Dugger Trade Forrest Signing

Following injuries to key defensive players DeShon Elliott and Daniel Ekuale, the Pittsburgh Steelers made strategic moves to bolster their struggling defense. They traded for New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger, a veteran with a strong tackling record, and signed former Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest to their practice squad as depth. Despite these efforts, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin faced criticism after the Steelers allowed a season-high 360 passing yards in a recent loss, though coach Mike Tomlin publicly supported him and denied taking over defensive playcalling. Meanwhile, calls for a complete team rebuild have surfaced, with some suggesting trading Tomlin to the Tennessee Titans, who seek a proven head coach to restore their physical playing style. However, Tomlin remains in his position, focused on improving the team's performance amid ongoing defensive challenges. The Steelers' secondary continues to navigate injuries and underperformance, prompting aggressive roster adjustments to stabilize the unit.