Key Steelers Defensive Player Goes Down with Injury

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols suffered an injury late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Echols was in coverage and went down with a non-contact injury. He returned on the following possession.

Echols was the second cornerback to leave the game, joining Jalen Ramsey, who left with an hamstring injury. The Steelers were down to only two cornerbacks — Darius Slay and James Pierre.

On the next play after Echols left the game, Carson Wentz connected to Jordan Addison for an 81-yard gain. Four plays later, Wentz found Jalen Nailor for a 2-yard touchdown to cut the Steelers’ lead to 24-21.

Echols had a key interception and game-sealing tackle in the Steelers’ 21-14 win over the New England Patriots last Sunday. Echols signed with the Steelers this offseason after playing his first four seasons with the New York Jets.

Echols, who played his college ball at Kentucky, was a sixth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2021. Echols played in 57 games and started 19 during his time with the Jets. Thirteen of those starts came in his rookie year.

Echols is a versatile corner who can play on the outside and in the slot. He’s also a solid special teams player.

Covering Addison during the third quarter, Ramsey slowed and grabbed his left hamstring. He exited the field limping and was looked at by trainers.

The Steelers are missing third-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Week 1 win over the New York Jets. Safety DeShon Elliott returned for the game against the Vikings after missing two weeks with a knee injury. He intercepted Carson Wentz earlier in the day.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Key Steelers Defensive Player Goes Down with Injury