Overview
- Veteran cornerback Jamel Dean left Thursday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns limping and is expected to miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.
- The setback comes after the Steelers traded Joey Porter Jr. earlier in the week and follows a separate foot injury to defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, leaving the outside corner room especially shallow.
- Pittsburgh is likely to expand roles for rookie Daylen Everette and Asante Samuel Jr. while Jalen Ramsey may slide to more outside snaps to cover the shortfall.
- Some analysts have urged the team to pursue veteran help, naming Trevon Diggs as a possible low-cost option from the Seahawks’ practice squad, though NFL rules would require any signing to remain on the active roster for three weeks.
- Dean’s three-year, $36.75 million signing in March and his season-long ankle issues raise both roster and performance stakes for the next stretch of opponents, including the Colts, Buccaneers and Saints.