Ex-Steelers first-round pick suffers brutal season-ending injury at camp

An unfortunate start to this former Steelers' 2025 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers v Los Angeles Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers v Los Angeles Chargers | Katharine Lotze/GettyImages

Early training camp injuries are an unfortunate reality every year in the NFL. For one former Pittsburgh Steelers player hoping to get his career back on track, a potentially devastating injury has disrupted his season.

As reported by Adam Schefter, former Steelers first-round pick Artie Burns suffered what is believed to be a torn ACL, which will end his season if confirmed by a scheduled MRI.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers CB Artie Burns' Miami Dolphins comeback halted by unfortunate injury

Burns is entering his ninth NFL season with his fourth team. He spent the last three seasons in Seattle in a reserve role, playing in just 21 total games.

It’s been a tough road for Burns throughout his career. The No. 25 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Miami was immediately doubted as a raw prospect who wasn’t worth the high selection. He showed some promise in Pittsburgh. In his first two seasons, he recorded 16 pass breakups and all three of his career interceptions. He also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, and recorded a safety in his time with the black and gold.

Ultimately, however, his coverage skills were lacking, and he was labeled as a first-round bust. He departed the team in free agency after the 2019 season, after getting just 32 starts in four seasons.

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Since then, he bounced out of Chicago after one year, had his stint in Seattle, and was now hoping to catch on with the Miami Dolphins secondary that now features fellow former Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick. Burns wasn’t exactly in a position to start, but with Jalen Ramsey being sent to Pittsburgh, there was some extra room on the roster for him to contribute in a reserve role once again.

Unfortunately, his season is likely over, but hopefully it doesn’t spell the end of his career. Still, the 30-year-old corner did sign just a one-year deal with Miami.

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