The Pittsburgh Steelers shared encouraging news on injured cornerback Jalen Ramsey ahead of the third preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Mike McCarthy told reporters, including Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, that Ramsey will be activated from the physically unable to perform list.
The eight-time Pro Bowler had been slowed by a knee injury this offseason. The PUP activation gives Ramsey a chance to suit up against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
Fellow cornerback Joey Porter Jr. remains on the PUP list. Pittsburgh had Asante Samuel Jr. and free agent acquisition Jamel Dean at the starting corner spots on the depth chart with Ramsey and Porter sidelined.
Pittsburgh Steelers Injury News: Jalen Ramsey Activated Off PUP List
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 12: Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Woody Marks #27 of the Houston Texans in the third quarter of an NFL wild card playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh landed Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins in one of the biggest moves of the club’s offseason last summer. The Steelers traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Dolphins for Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin utilized the star corner in a flexible role in his debut with the team.
Ramsey started all 17 games in his first season in black and gold. He earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection in the past six seasons. Ramsey matched a career high with 88 combined tackles. The veteran has now played every game in three of the past four years.
Pittsburgh finished 17th in points allowed per game in 2025. The defensive unit permitted the seventh-most yards per game last season. An underwhelming Houston Texans offense piled up 408 yards in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. The Texans scored a pair of defensive touchdowns, but Pittsburgh’s defense wasn’t a factor in the 30-6 loss.
Steelers Revamp Passing Defense With New Coordinator Patrick Graham
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 12: Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Asante Samuel Jr. #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate after an interception in the third quarter of an NFL wild card playoff game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Patrick Graham will take over as defensive coordinator this season. He most recently served in the same position with the Las Vegas Raiders. Graham will call plays from the coaches’ box, an adjustment from previous Pittsburgh coordinators.
“I would say me being in the box is about being comfortable for me, but it’s also a credit to the assistant coaches that can convey the message for me and then rally the guys when we need to rally them,” Graham said in a statement, relayed by Steelers Depot.
Only three teams allowed more passing yards than the Steelers last year. Pittsburgh added Dean on a three-year, $36.75 million deal to boost the unit. The team also inked safety Jaquan Brisker to a one-year, $5.5 million contract. With Samuel and Brandin Echols also in the mix, the secondary has plenty of options.
Steelers Announce Injury Update on Eight-Time Pro Bowler