PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey knew before word was out, saying only the defense will change a little bit with corner Joey Porter, Junior officially ruled out for Sunday.
“That’s all I’m going to give you brother,” Ramsey said with a chuckle and then didn’t give anything else.
Ramsey could go out and play corner with Brandin Echols playing in the slot, where he played last year with the Jets. That is the most likely possibility. Due to their flexibility, they have options. Echols can play corner, James Pierre has started eight games with the Steelers on the outside and played in 82, although most snaps on special teams. Beanie Bishop played 17 games as an undrafted rookie last year and could be elevated from the practice squad. Tuesday, they signed former first round pick safety Jabrill Peppers and he’s been full at practice all week.
When I asked Peppers in the locker room on Friday if he’s ready to play, he said he’s good to go. He’s stayed in shape and knows enough about the defense to play there. That likely would be in a slot role close to the line of scrimmage.
We know Darius Slay will play at one corner and he said they have a lot of options, calling Ramsey the Charles Woodson of our day. Slay also believes Peppers could make an impact on Sunday.
“Thankfully we have guys that can step up and play and get after it,” Slay said.
Outside linebacker Nick Herbig no longer has an injury designation after practicing full the last two days, he missed Week One with a hamstring.
Safety DeShon Elliott and DT Derrick Harmon are out, ruled out earlier in the week by Mike Tomlin.
Seattle has some issues in the secondary. Two-time Pro Bowl corner Devon Witherspoon is doubtful with a knee injury. In just his third season, Witherspoon injured his knee in the season opener. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori is out with an ankle injury. Though expected to play, safety Julian Love is nursing a groin injury.