The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with a key defensive concern heading into their matchup with the Cleveland Browns, as cornerback Jalen Ramsey was sidelined from Thursday’s practice due to an illness. And while it’s not time to hit the panic button just yet, it’s certainly something to monitor - Ramsey is known for being a consistent presence at practice, rarely taking days off, even for rest.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Pittsburgh. With Brandin Echols nursing a groin injury suffered against the Lions - and having already missed both practices this week - the Steelers are staring down a serious depth issue in the secondary. Echols has been the go-to slot corner, but with his status looking increasingly doubtful for Sunday, the team is leaning on Ramsey to fill that role.
Ramsey, who was acquired in a high-profile June trade that sent star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick the other way, has been something of a Swiss Army knife for the Steelers’ defense. He opened his Pittsburgh tenure on the outside, rotated into the slot, and more recently has taken on full-time duties at free safety - a testament to both his versatility and the coaching staff’s trust in his football IQ.
But now, with Echols likely out and the Browns’ offense looming, Pittsburgh may have to reshuffle the deck once again. If Ramsey can’t go, the team could be forced to elevate D’Shawn Jamison from the practice squad to plug the hole at slot corner - a big ask for a player without much game-day experience in that role.
Chuck Clark would also step back into the starting lineup at safety, but make no mistake: Ramsey’s availability is pivotal. His ability to move around the secondary and handle multiple responsibilities gives the Steelers flexibility they desperately need, especially against a Browns offense that’s shown it can exploit mismatches in the short and intermediate game.
For now, all eyes are on Ramsey’s health. If he’s able to suit up, the Steelers can breathe a little easier. If not, they’ll be walking a tightrope on defense, hoping their patchwork secondary can hold up in a game with major playoff implications.