In something of a surprise development, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey heads into the weekend with a questionable designation in regards to his availability for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Ramsey had not practiced throughout the week because of a hamstring injury suffered during the Steelers’ most recent game Sept. 28 in Dublin. He was listed as a full practice participant Friday on the injury report.
A 10-year veteran in his first season with the Steelers, Ramsey after practice was coy about if he would be able to play Sunday.
“We’ll see,” he said.
What did he do at practice Friday?
“A little something.”
Ramsey’s ailment was initially reported to be a multi-week injury, but coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday expressed more optimism about the chances he could play against Cleveland.
That the Steelers play twice in five days — a game at the Cincinnati Bengals looms Thursday — might factor in to the decision, Ramsey said.
Highsmith, Porter, Warren in
As expected, a trio of starters were given the official green light to return to game action from injury. Running back Jaylen Warren (knee) missed one game, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) missed two games and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) sat out three.
Each, though, was a full practice participant for multiple days this week.
Porter would essentially swap back in for Ramsey as an every-down player in the secondary. Warren and Highsmith, respectively, ceded playing time to Kenneth Gainwell and Nick Herbig — each of whom excelled and could be in line for a heightened role even after the return of their respective position mates.
No Austin
The only player on the active roster deemed out for Sunday was receiver Calvin Austin III, who suffered a shoulder injury during the Steelers’ most recent game, a defeat of the Minnesota Vikings. Austin did not practice all week.
The lone remaining player on the injury report this week (for non-rest reasons), receiver Ben Skowronek, was cleared to play. Skowronek was listed as having an illness Wednesday.
