The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to stop the pass through the first three games of the season. And they have had problems stopping the run.

The Steelers rank 26th in the NFL in both categories entering Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin.

However, the Steelers' secondary is about to get some reinforcements off the injury list. That should help as they try to contain four-time All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the Vikings' passing game.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety DeShon Elliott have returned to practice this week after missing the previous two games. Their absence has made a difference as the Steelers' top six defensive backs in last week's 21-14 victory over the New England Patriots are all in their first year with the team.

"Familiarity with being here and being with me and in this system allows you to do some things," Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said.

Porter and Elliott rejoin a secondary that includes veteran offseason acquisitions Chuck Clark, Brandin Echols, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Juan Thornhill.

"There's a nice high ceiling in that room," Austin said. "We have talent, but we also have veterans. We have some good young talent. To me, the secondary is a lot like an offensive line. You have to get to learn to play together because of all the intricacies that go on with your group. I just think they have an opportunity to really get better. I just like the fact that we do have a lot of room.

The Steelers' defense had its best game of the season last week, allowing a season-low in points while recording five sacks and having five takeaways.

However, the Steelers allowed Drake Maye to throw for 268 yards. The Patriots were also 4 of 5 on four-down conversions.

"Now in the league, it's about going for it on fourth and one," Slay said. "It doesn't matter if it's a quarterback sneak, whatever needs to be done. So, we've got to keep them out of a manageable fourth down, so they don't attempt it."