Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Cornerback Jalen Ramsey participated in practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, opening the door to an earlier-than-expected return from his hamstring injury.
Ramsey suffered the hamstring injury early in the team’s Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. Even though Ramsey was able to return to the latter part of the game, he was expected to miss playing time because of the ailment.
But on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin kept the door open to Ramsey returning this week, after the Steelers’ bye. Ramsey stretched with the team but did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he returned to the practice field on Friday.
Earlier this week, Mike Tomlin left the door ajar for Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) to play against the Browns on Sunday. Here the #Steelers’ veteran DB is at Friday’s practice: pic.twitter.com/R3XnqJ41ee
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) October 10, 2025
Ramsey confirmed that he did team work in addition to individual drills, but said only “we’ll see” as to whether he’ll be able to return to action against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Ramsey said he’s been motivated in his rehab by a desire to return to playing with his new Steelers teammates and that he’s looking forward to his first taste of AFC North football.
“I never want to miss any type of playing time,” he said. “I love the game, love to be there for my teammates, so any chance I get to help that, I’ll take the opportunities.”
Brandin Echols replaced Ramsey as the Steelers’ slot cornerback against the Vikings, and would likely do so against the Browns if the seven-time Pro Bowler is unable to suit up. Joey Porter Jr. is expected to return at outside cornerback, where he’ll line up alongside Darius Slay.
RELATED: Locked On Steelers: Can Joey Porter Jr. Step Up for Jalen Ramsey?
Even if Ramsey can’t suit up this Sunday, he has put himself in a position to potentially return in time to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. The Steelers play the Bengals on Thursday night, meaning there’s a short turnaround time in between Pittsburgh’s first and second AFC North contest of 2025.
In his first season with the Steelers, Ramsey said he’s appreciated the dialogue between him and the coaching staff about his injury and his chances of playing.
“They’re still the bosses,” he said. “They have the authority. I have to listen to them, just as much as they have to listen to how I feel. … We’ve been having good conversations, good dialogue about how things have been progressing.”
He said he’s excited about the potential of playing his first game of the Steelers-Browns rivalry and of divisional football at Acrisure Stadium.
“I know it’s gonna be intense. I know defense is gonna be on display. I know it’s gonna be a lot of energy, the atmosphere is gonna be great. I’m sure of that.”
The only thing unsure is whether he’ll be a participant...
