Steelers Release Rayshawn Jenkins; DeShon Elliott Logs Full Practice
Information cutoff: October 21, 2026 at 6:20 PM CDT. Pittsburgh's official Wednesday report confirms that Rayshawn Jenkins was released before practice and DeShon Elliott was a full participant. Elliott still requires a separate activation from injured reserve before he can play.
The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins on Wednesday, ending his short stay with the team after six games. The move arrives as DeShon Elliott works through his return-to-play process, but Pittsburgh has not yet announced that Elliott has been activated from injured reserve.
Jenkins appeared in all six Steelers games this season and made one start. The team credited him with 15 tackles, including nine solo stops. Pittsburgh signed him during the offseason after the Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
What Pittsburgh officially changed
Jenkins' release is complete and removes him from the active roster. The Steelers' official transaction log also lists the move, making this a confirmed roster change rather than a reported plan.
The timing naturally puts attention on Elliott, who was designated to return from injured reserve on October 8. Elliott participated fully in Wednesday's practice while continuing his recovery from a knee injury. A full practice is an encouraging step, but he remains in the return window until Pittsburgh makes a separate activation move.
Why DeShon Elliott's status matters
Elliott's availability would give Pittsburgh an experienced safety option before Sunday's game against New Orleans in Paris. The Steelers can evaluate him throughout the practice week and do not have to activate him immediately simply because Jenkins was released.
The two developments point in the same direction, but they should not be treated as one transaction. Releasing Jenkins creates room on the roster; Elliott still must clear the final medical and roster steps before he can play. Pittsburgh's final injury report and any Saturday transaction announcement will provide the clearest answer.
Week 7 impact against the Saints
The safety decision is part of a broader defensive injury picture. Elliott was a full participant Wednesday, while cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols did not practice. Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day also missed the session, and linebacker Alex Highsmith was limited.
That makes Elliott's progress important even if his first game back comes with a managed workload. A healthy veteran safety can help Pittsburgh communicate coverages and manage the back end, especially if the cornerback group remains short-handed. Jenkins' departure also reduces the margin for another setback before the international game.
Fantasy football and IDP impact
There is no meaningful standard offensive fantasy change. In IDP formats, Jenkins can be dropped in most redraft leagues because he no longer has an active defensive role. His value could return if another team signs him, but managers should wait for a destination and expected snap share.
Elliott is a watch-list option rather than an automatic start. Managers need confirmation that he has been activated, plus clarity on whether Pittsburgh plans to use him for a full complement of snaps. The Steelers defense/special teams remains evaluated primarily on the overall injury report and matchup, not this single roster move.
What to watch next
Whether the Steelers activate Elliott before leaving for the Paris game.
Whether Elliott remains a full participant through the practice week.
The final status of Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
Whether another team claims or signs Jenkins after his release.
For now, the confirmed news is simple: Jenkins is off Pittsburgh's roster, and Elliott has taken a meaningful—but not final—step toward returning.
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