Roster depth is an unknown gem for NFL coaches. It’s rarely talked about until it’s absolutely needed, and when the moment comes, the lights get bright, the stakes are high, and all eyes turn to the backup. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that moment may be arriving in Week 2, and the player in focus is cornerback Brandin Echols.
With Joey Porter Jr. nursing a hamstring injury that kept him out of practice both Wednesday and Thursday, it's no surprise that his availability for Sunday’s showdown against the Seattle Seahawks is listed as out.
Porter Jr., who was expected to take the next step this season, struggled mightily in Week 1. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted a 36.0 coverage grade across 44 snaps — a number that frankly jumps off the page for the wrong reasons. He looked a step slow, out of position, and clearly lacked the rhythm we were hoping to see after an offseason of promise.
Now, that opens the door for Brandin Echols — and it might be the spark this defense needs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers can trust Brandin Echols to fill in for Joey Porter Jr. in Week 2
Echols is no stranger to playing in big moments.
Since entering the league in 2021, he’s intercepted five passes, a respectable total for a player who’s often flown under the radar. His 67.8 coverage grade in Week 1, albeit over just 10 snaps, is encouraging. It shows he was ready when his number was called — and now, the Steelers may need him to answer that call for a full 60 minutes.
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Pittsburgh under Mike Tomlin is the “next man up” mentality. Whether it’s a rookie or a journeyman, everyone is expected to perform like a starter. And while that sounds cliché, it’s a mindset that’s kept this team competitive year after year, even through adversity.
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Echols fits that mold.
He’s physical, experienced, and eager to prove he belongs. I don’t expect him to shut down Jaxon Smith-Njigba all by himself, but I do expect him to compete. And with the Steelers' pass rush capable of creating pressure — especially against a young Seahawks offensive line — Echols may only need to hold his own for a couple of seconds at a time.
That said, this isn’t just about filling in. This is about seizing an opportunity. Echols has a chance to show the coaching staff — and fans — that the cornerback room has more than one difference-maker. The reality is, injuries are inevitable in the NFL. Teams that survive and thrive are equipped with reliable depth ready to step in.
So while losing Joey Porter Jr. — even temporarily — isn’t ideal, it might just be the chance Brandin Echols needs to prove his worth.
And I, for one, think he’s ready.