Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Gives Honest Answer About His Status For Week 6 Vs Browns: "Depends On Who You Ask"

As the Pittsburgh Steelers make their finishing touches in preparing for their Week 6 clash with the Cleveland Browns, all eyes are on the injury report. The Steelers entered their Week 5 bye week a little banged up, with numerous players trying to heal up in time for Sunday's matchup. One of those players is cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey injured his hamstring in Pittsburgh's Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings, but with Pittsburgh having two divisional games in a span on five days, they might be pumping the brakes on getting Ramsey back on the field.

Hamstring injuries can be tricky to manage, especially for defensive backs. The extra week of rest from the bye certainly helped, but it's unclear if it was enough time for Ramsey to be ready to go for Sunday’s game. A major factor in his return might not be solely based on how he feels, but more on what lies ahead for the Steelers. After Pittsburgh faces Cleveland on Sunday, they'll have to turn around four days later and face the Cincinnati Bengals on the road for Thursday Night Football.

Ramsey was asked by the media on Friday if Pittsburgh's upcoming schedule has an effect on his status for Sunday's game.

"Depends on who you ask," said Ramsey. "If y'all ask me... yeah... it matters."

During his press conference on Tuesday, Head Coach Mike Tomlin noted that Ramsey was making an aggressive push to return for Sunday's game. Ramsey was officially listed as a non-participant in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, though he was able to work into some team drills on Friday. That sign of progress is encouraging, but not necessarily conclusive. Even if Ramsey feels like he is 100% healthy to play on Sunday, it doesn't sound like it is 100% his decision with Tomlin and company likely having the final say.

"They [the coaches] still the bosses, I have to listen to them just as much as they're open to hearing how I feel and listening to what I have to say," said Ramsey.

The Steelers traded for Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins during the offseason, sending away Minkah Fitzpatrick and also receiving Jonnu Smith in the deal. Ramsey has been an excellent addition to the Steelers' defense through the first four games of the season. 

Ramsey has made 14 combined tackles, defended four passes, and reeled in one interception. In his 10th season in the league out of Florida State, Ramsey has brought experience and high IQ to the Steelers' secondary that has aided them tremendously so far in 2025. 

Steelers Will Look To Other Defensive Backs If Ramsey Can't Play

If Ramsey indeed doesn't play against the Browns, numerous defenders will have to step up for Pittsburgh. What makes Ramsey so unique and so valuable has been his ability to play all over the field, and it might be difficult for other players to fill in that same role. 

Expect Brandin Echols and James Pierre to see an increase in snaps if Ramsey does not play. Echols has been a pleasantly surprising acquisition for the Steelers from this offseason who has contributed heavily through the first four games. Echols has 11 combined tackles on the season with one interception. Pierre saw some playing time in relief for Ramsey in Week 4 in Dublin, and nearly came away with the game-sealing interception until it was called back after a review. Pierre is in his sixth season with the Steelers out of Florida Atlantic, and has been a key backup and special teams player during his career.

The Steelers do get some help in the injury front as Joey Porter Jr. is slated to make his return to the field on Sunday against the Browns. Porter exited the Steelers' Week 1 game against the New York Jets with a hamstring injury, and hasn't played since. Porter's return alongside Darius Slay will help the Steelers as they look to shut down rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the Browns passing attack.

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