The Pittsburgh Steelers are 2-1 through three weeks, and there is plenty of reason for optimism after the team was able to beat the Cincinnati Bengals. The offense was the main concern going into this matchup, but the unit seemed to turn things around as the group scored 30 points to help Pittsburgh secure the victory to open up play in the AFC North. The defense looked somewhat shaky in the game, but that is to be expected when playing such a potent offense. The unit got a stop when it mattered most at the end of the contest, but there is going to be some injury concern moving forward with the defense.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey watches the action at Acrisure Stadium during a 2026 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
News broke on Monday that the Steelers are going to have some injury concerns moving forward in the secondary. There is of course the issue of Joey Porter Jr. who is disgruntled about his current contract while also working his way back from a back injury, but now there are more injuries to consider. Brandin Echols is in the NFL's concussion protocol, which means he probably won't be able to play in Pittsburgh's next game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football in Week 4. It was also reported on Monday that Jalen Ramsey was seen with his arm in a sling.
This is notable. Brandin Echols is also in the concussion protocol and that likely all but rules him out for Thursday's game.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) September 28, 2026
We'll see if Ramsey can play, but if he can't, the Steelers will likely be down both slot cornerbacks. https://t.co/rWrJzTzqDK
There is a chance that the Steelers could be without both Echols and Ramsey for Pittsburgh's game against Cleveland, and the team could still be without Porter as well. Both Ramsey and Echols play cornerback in the slot for the Steelers, and the Steelers would be down to the group's third-string slot cornerback while being down the defense's top outside cornerback as well.
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Pittsburgh Steelers star defenders Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Jalen Ramsey (5) stand on the field as they watch their team workout during a 2026 training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
If Porter is able to take the field and make his season debut on Thursday night it would calm some of the worries fans might have, but overall the status of the secondary right now is not great. DeShon Elliott is still on injured reserve, and the cornerback spot is now a legitimate concern. It has been a concern all season long due to the contract debacle with Porter, but now Echols and Ramsey potentially being down would be a disaster.
Both Ramsey and Echols are also two of Pittsburgh's more versatile defenders in the secondary. It would not be ideal to have either of them playing cornerback on the outside, but they each can do it and they have done it. Ramsey also lines up at safety and is arguably Pittsburgh’s best blitzer from outside of the box, so he would be missed if he has to miss a game or two.
Steelers Desperately Need Joey Porter Jr. To Return
Porter is going to be an interesting player to watch throughout the next couple of days of practice. He has only been a limited participant up until this point, so it would be good to see him practice without any limitations. If he can find a way to take the field on Thursday night the Steelers could play Asante Samuel Jr. in the slot if both Echols and Ramsey are forced to miss the game due to injury. As of right now it seems like Ramsey has a better chance to play as Echols' injury has landed him in the concussion protocol, which isn't easy to get out of. Fans should learn more about both players throughout the week.
What do you think about these injuries the Steelers are facing in the secondary? Are you worried about the defense moving forward? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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