The learning curve is steep for Kyle Dugger, who practiced with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time on Thursday.

The Steelers acquired Dugger from the New England Patriots in a trade late Tuesday night. The veteran safety is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium.

Dugger admits it's quite a task to acclimate to a new defense in such a short period after spending his entire six-year career with the New England Patriots since being their second-round draft pick in 2020. However, Dugger does have the advantage of being united with former teammate Jabrill Peppers, who is also a defensive back. Peppers has been helping Dugger learn the playbook.

"That's my dawg," Dugger said of Peppers. "Me and Pep were pretty close. I enjoyed playing with him, so I'm glad to be back in the locker room with him. And just him being here, kind of helping me get acclimated, talking to me, taking me through things, how things go, is big. He translates a lot of things and kind of relates back to this was that (with the Patriots), this was the old that, and makes it easier for me to understand the new terminology and things like that."

The Steelers are looking for help as strong safety DaShown Elliott sustained a hyperextended knee in a loss to the Green Bay Packers. Elliott was placed on the injured reserve list and will miss at least four games.

Dugger appeared to fall out of favor with first-year Patriots coach Mike Vrabel this season. He started just four of the Patriots' seven games, logging 17 tackles (seven solo). In 81 career games, including 69 starts, Dugger has forced three fumbles, had two interceptions, and recorded 3 ½ sacks.

Pro Football Focus has given Dugger a 50.7 grade this season, which ranks him 63rd among NFL safeties. Elliott ranks 25th with a 60.7 grade, and backup Chuck Clark's 68.3 grade is 15th.

Peppers, though, is confident that Dugger will immediately help the Steelers (4-3) as they face the Colts (7-1), who have the best record and top offense in the NFL. Conversely, the Steelers are last in the league in total defense.

"That's my dawg," Peppers. "We go way back. Great addition to the room. Definitely fits what we're trying to do here, so I can't wait for him to jump on this moving train. He's a hard-nosed, smart, playmaker on the ball. Tall lanky guy who can match tight ends real well, as well as playing the deep coverage. He was dealing with an injury last year. He can run, he can play. So, I'm happy for him to finally get back on the healthier side and show the league what I know he can do."