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Brooke Pryor
PITTSBURGH — Coach Mike Tomlin announced on Tuesday that versatile defensive back Jalen Ramsey will continue to line up as a safety for at least another week.
With injuries and illnesses affecting the Steelers’ safety roster, Tomlin moved Ramsey to safety during the game against the Colts, and with several player’s statuses still uncertain, Ramsey will maintain that role in the upcoming clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. DeShon Elliott (knee, IR), Chuck Clark (illness), and Jabrill Peppers (quad) are all experiencing issues. Given the greater depth available at cornerback, Tomlin opted to transition Ramsey to safety, pairing him with newly acquired Kyle Dugger. This adjustment has allowed Brandin Echols to see increased snaps at nickel, while James Pierre has rotated outside alongside either Joey Porter Jr. or Darius Slay.
Ramsey, who joined the Steelers from the Miami Dolphins in a major trade earlier this year, was brought in partly due to his adaptability. Although he has primarily played as an outside cornerback throughout his career, the Steelers had always envisioned him playing across the secondary.
«It’s just his relationship with the game,» Tomlin explained, highlighting what makes Ramsey an effective safety. «… He possesses excellent instincts and a genuine passion for football. His commitment to studying the game allows him to excel in that role, which is a crucial aspect of being a safety.»
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Ramsey tallied five solo tackles and participated in 98.6 percent of defensive snaps last Sunday. Dugger, playing in his first game with the Steelers, appeared in nearly the same number of snaps as Ramsey, contributing one solo tackle and three combined tackles, receiving a game ball afterward from Tomlin.
When questioned about the necessity of bringing in additional safeties to fortify a depleted position, Tomlin was non-committal regarding whether Ramsey’s flexibility diminished that requirement.
«It genuinely depends on player availability,» he stated. «It’s undoubtedly one of Ramsey’s assets. He’s willing and capable of stepping into that role, but as I mentioned when discussing Derwin James, those decisions take into account other movements and availability within the team.»
Dugger is the only acquisition the Steelers have made so far ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline. The team also signed former Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad on Tuesday, but Tomlin remained tight-lipped about whether this addition meant they might not pursue further receiver help before the deadline.
Before trading for Dugger, Tomlin had indicated the Steelers were in a «buyer» position as the deadline approached, grinning when queried about the prospect of further trades.
«We’ll see what unfolds,» he replied. «I enjoy shopping.»
