The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be getting their bye week at an opportune time. But cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver Calvin Austin III are likely to need more than one week to heal from injuries they sustained in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings.
That’s what The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported Monday. Dulac tweeted very early in the morning that Ramsey and Austin “are expected to miss at least several games.”
Ramsey suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s matchup in Dublin, Ireland. The veteran cornerback tried to return to the game but Dulac reported his return “didn’t work out.”
Austin exited the game in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury. The receiver received further evaluation at the hospital.
Steelers Lose Jalen Ramsey, Getting Thin at CB
There was a bit of irony with Ramsey suffering his hamstring injury. On the first Steelers defensive possession of the game, the veteran cornerback “mimed” a hamstring ailment during a touchdown celebration.
Like the hamstring issue, the touchdown wasn’t real, as the officials ruled the fumble Ramsey returned out of bounds before he picked it up. Ramsey didn’t get another opportunity at a return touchdown but did suffer a real hamstring injury.
Without the former All-Pro, depth veteran cornerbacks Brandin Echols and James Pierre, along with starter Darius Slay, played a lot for the Steelers late in the fourth quarter. During Ramsey’s absence, the Steelers gave up an 81-yard reception to Jordan Addison.
If there’s any good news about the Steelers secondary, it’s that other players are getting healthy. Safety DeShon Elliott returned Sunday. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. didn’t but he was at least questionable to play in Ireland.
Injury setbacks are always possible, but Porter appears to have a strong chance to play in Pittsburgh’s next game after the bye week.
The question, though, is how long will the “several games” prognosis Dulac reported actually be? If the Steelers place Ramsey on injured reserve, he won’t be eligible to play again until November 9.
Among cornerbacks who have played at least half their team’s defensive snaps through four weeks, Pro Football Focus has Ramsey rated as the Steelers top cornerback. The PFF player grades also have Ramsey ranked as the No. 5 cornerback in the entire league.
In four games this season, Ramsey has posted 14 combined tackles, four pass defenses and one interception.
Calvin Austin III Sends Message on Injury Status
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told the media after Sunday’s game Austin had a shoulder injury. Tomlin added “he thinks” Austin was at the hospital getting treatment.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor basically confirmed that report, posting on X she saw Austin getting into an ambulance. Pryor also wrote that Austin’s arm was in a sling.
Austin addressed the injury with his own post on X at about 3 pm ET on Sunday.
“Great Dub in Dublin! I’m all good Steelers Nation, appreciate the messages and concern!”
If Dulac is correct, though, “all good” doesn’t appear to mean Austin will be ready to go after the bye week.
Should Austin have to miss time, Pittsburgh’s receiver depth will be tested. The Steelers have unproven Roman Wilson and veterans Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek on their receiver depth chart behind DK Metcalf.
On Sunday, pundits begun speculating if the Steelers could pursue outside options. Two of the better free agents available are Odell Beckham Jr. and Diontae Johnson.
Neither inspire a lot of confidence. Beckham will turn 33 in November, and he received just 18 targets in nine games with the Miami Dolphins last season.
The Steelers traded Johnson in March 2024. Since then, four other teams have parted ways with the veteran receiver. It’s unlikely the Steelers would give him another chance.
Maybe a trade for a receiver is possible. But whether general manager Omar Khan pursues that could depend on how long Austin will be sidelined.
Austin has 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns this season.
The Steelers’ next game will be against the Cleveland Browns on October 12.
