The Pittsburgh Steelers opened Indianapolis Colts week with Jalen Ramsey and Jamel Dean both missing Wednesday’s practice. That’s a rough start for a secondary rebuilt in a hurry after the Joey Porter Jr. trade. Ramsey’s wrist and Dean’s ankle are separate problems, but together they leave defensive coordinator Patrick Graham with fewer proven options for Sunday.
Wednesday’s participation sheet lists Ramsey (wrist) and Dean (ankle) as nonparticipants. Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Rico Dowdle (toe) were limited, while Cameron Heyward sat for rest. Dowdle’s limited return is progress after he missed the Bengals and Browns games.
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thur. | Fri. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jalen Ramsey | CB | Wrist | DNP | ||
Rico Dowdle | RB | Toe | LP | ||
Michael Pittman Jr. | CB | Foot | LP | ||
Jamel Dean | CB | Ankle | DNP | ||
Cameron Heyward | DT | NIR/Rest | DNP |
Ramsey played in Cleveland with his injured wrist protected, so a missed Wednesday practice doesn’t necessarily rule him out against Indianapolis. Dean left that game with an ankle injury. They’ve got two more practices to make progress. Until then, Pittsburgh has to plan around the chance that one or both will sit.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback depth faces a test against the Indianapolis Colts
Asante Samuel Jr. and rookie Daylen Everette have already handled outside work. The Steelers then signed Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith to the active roster this week. The team’s Colts preparation update discusses both additions, who may have to contribute quickly if Dean remains sidelined. If Ramsey also sits, Graham loses a defender who can move between the slot and safety.
Indianapolis brings quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor to Acrisure Stadium. The secondary has to cover and tackle while the front adjusts to Derrick Harmon’s absence. Asking newly signed corners to learn Graham’s calls in a few days certainly gives Indianapolis a matchup to test. Dean’s return would give Pittsburgh an experienced outside option; Ramsey’s would restore some flexibility inside.
Dowdle’s limited work gives the offense a better note, though Jaylen Warren’s recent production has earned him the lead role while Dowdle has been out. A Dowdle return would add another option without automatically restoring the old rotation. Pittman’s foot also needs another check before he faces the team that traded him.
Thursday’s report will show whether Ramsey and Dean can get back onto the field and whether Dowdle can do more. Friday’s final report will provide game designations ahead of Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff.
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