Steelers Cornerback Depth Tested After Brandin Echols Injury Scare
PITTSBURGH - The Steelers’ secondary took a hit early against the Dolphins, and for a moment, it looked like things could get dicey. While trying to spring Calvin Austin III on a punt return, nickelback Brandin Echols lost his footing and went down awkwardly. What followed was a sequence that had Pittsburgh fans holding their breath.
Echols got up slowly, clearly favoring something, and made his way toward the sideline. He crouched before reaching the bench, then was ushered into the blue medical tent by team trainers. Not a great sign for a team already thin at cornerback.
If Echols had been unable to return, the Steelers would’ve been forced to reshuffle their defensive backfield in a big way. Jalen Ramsey - who’s already playing a key role - would’ve had to slide inside to cover the slot. That move would bump Chuck Clark into the safety spot next to Kyle Dugger, leaving the Steelers with zero true backup corners.
That’s how tight things are right now in Pittsburgh’s secondary. Ramsey is the only healthy cornerback available off the bench. Every other option is either on the shelf or already starting.
Echols eventually exited the tent with his helmet in hand, but the limp was noticeable. Still, he remained on the sideline, helmet on, giving off the impression he was ready to go if needed.
And sure enough, when the defense faced a third-and-6 shortly afterward, Echols was back on the field. It was a gritty return, and one the Steelers desperately needed.
Meanwhile, Asante Samuel Jr. - starting on the outside for the injured James Pierre (calf) - made his presence felt early. He picked off a pass during Miami’s second drive, giving the Steelers a crucial momentum swing. With Pierre sidelined, Samuel’s ability to lock down one side of the field becomes even more important.
Echols, who spent his first four seasons with the Jets before signing with Pittsburgh in the offseason, has been a solid contributor this year. Coming into Monday’s game, he’d already racked up 42 tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery - numbers that reflect both his versatility and his knack for being around the ball.
The Steelers can’t afford to lose much more depth in the secondary, especially with the Dolphins’ speed and vertical threats testing every inch of the field. If Echols can stay upright and Samuel continues to step up, Pittsburgh might be able to weather the storm. But make no mistake - the margin for error is razor-thin right now.