Jalen Ramsey’s arrival in Pittsburgh was supposed to be the final piece of a championship-caliber defense. But just weeks into the season, the All-Pro cornerback is facing a significant setback, leaving Steelers fans and coaches scrambling for answers.
A Blockbuster Trade, a New Era
The Steelers made headlines this offseason by acquiring
Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins in a blockbuster deal that sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami. The move was seen as a bold statement: Pittsburgh was all-in, pairing Ramsey with veteran Darius Slay and a resurgent defense, while four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers took over at quarterback.
Ramsey, already a three-time All-Pro and widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, was expected to anchor the secondary. His contract reflected that status, with a
$1.5 million raise bringing his 2025-26 salary to
$26.6 million.
The Injury That Changed Everything
The optimism didn’t last long. During the Steelers’ Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ramsey suffered a
hamstring injury that forced him out of the game. Ironically, earlier in the game, Ramsey had mimed a hamstring injury as part of a touchdown celebration—only to later suffer the real thing.
Initial reports from Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac indicate that Ramsey is expected to miss “at least several games,” with the possibility of being placed on injured reserve. If that happens, NFL rules require him to miss a minimum of four games—not including the bye week.
What Happened on the Field?
Ramsey’s injury came after a play where he attempted to return a fumble for a touchdown, only for officials to rule the ball dead due to contact out of bounds. He tried to return to the game but was unable to continue, and the Steelers’ secondary immediately felt his absence, surrendering an 81-yard reception to Vikings receiver Jordan Addison.
Impact on the Steelers’ Defense
Ramsey’s absence leaves a gaping hole in Pittsburgh’s secondary. Depth veterans Brandin Echols and James Pierre, along with Darius Slay, were forced into extended action late in the game. The timing is especially tough, as the Steelers are already dealing with other injuries, including wide receiver Calvin Austin III.
Despite the setback, there’s a silver lining: other defensive backs like safety DeShon Elliott are returning to health, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. could be back after the bye week. Still, losing Ramsey—who Pro Football Focus currently ranks as the Steelers’ top cornerback and the No. 5 cornerback in the entire league—will test the team’s depth and resilience.
In just four games this season, Ramsey has recorded:
-
14 combined tackles-
4 pass defenses-
1 interceptionWhat’s Next for Ramsey and the Steelers?
If placed on injured reserve, Ramsey won’t be eligible to return until at least November 9. The Steelers’ coaching staff will need to adjust quickly, relying on their depth and hoping for a speedy recovery from their star acquisition.
For now, Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl hopes hinge on how well the defense can weather this storm—and whether Jalen Ramsey can return to form in time for the season’s critical stretch run.
Sources
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