It's finally time for the Pittsburgh Steelers (and the rest of the NFL) to start the 2026 season in earnest, as training camp is officially underway. The new-look Steelers arrived at St. Vincent College in Latrobe on Tuesday, and the media got to speak with general manager Omar Khan about where the roster stands.
While there was some good news surrounding the neck injury Broderick Jones is still recovering from, a surprise injury update could cloud the start of camp. Khan revealed to the media that star defensive back Jalen Ramsey will start his second camp with the Steelers on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to a knee injury he suffered at minicamp earlier this summer.
GM Omar Khan says Jalen Ramsey's knee injury didn't require surgery, and they're "being smart" about working him in. Anticipates it being a couple weeks.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 28, 2026
"It isn't something where we don't anticipate him being ready for the season."
With new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham joining this offseason, Ramsey's role has been one of the biggest question marks that fans have been waiting to see answered. Now, they will have to wait a while to see how he fits.
Jalen Ramsey's delayed start to training camp could become a problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Ramsey was forced to move back to safety in the middle of last season due to injuries at safety and poor play at corner, but the plan this year seems to be different. With cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker being brought in via free agency, Ramsey now has the flexibility to play the role he is best suited for: the trendy "big nickel" position.
However, missing potentially weeks of work learning the new defense could create a problem for Ramsey and the Steelers. Sure, Ramsey is a grizzled veteran at this point in his career, but playing slot defender is one of the toughest roles on any defense. Missing valuable practice time isn't going to make that any easier.
If he can't get up to speed before the start of the season, it may force the Steelers to pivot and change how their plans for how the secondary operates. Instead of a starting five of Joey Porter Jr., Dean, Ramsey (in the slot), DeShon Elliott, and Brisker, someone like Brandin Echols or Donte Kent (if he can get healthy) may be asked to play in the slot.
Echols was solid in that role last year when Ramsey had to move to safety, but he doesn't offer the run defense and physicality that have become a big part of playing that spot. Here's hoping the future Hall of Fame DB can get back in action early enough to settle into that role.
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