Jalen Ramsey Starts Steelers Camp on PUP List Due to Short-Term Knee Injury

Broderick Jones, the Steelers' 2023 first‑round pick, underwent neck surgery after a season‑ending neck injury last year, and is entering the final year of his rookie deal after Pittsburgh declined his fifth‑year option.
Jalen Ramsey joined Pittsburgh in a 2025 trade that included tight end Jonnu Smith and a seventh‑round pick, with the purpose of shipping Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins in exchange for the additional assets.
Camp operations were already signaling extra caution, as conditioning tests at the outset could lead to more players being placed on lists to start camp.
The Steelers are installing a new 3-4 defensive scheme under a new coordinator, which will require early adjustments in Ramsey's absence as the unit retools its alignment and roles.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list after suffering a knee injury during minicamp, according to ESPN. General Manager Omar Khan said the injury does not require surgery and should keep Ramsey out for just a couple of weeks.
The setback is a short-term blow for a Steelers defense installing a brand-new 3-4 scheme this summer. Pittsburgh is already working without a key piece as it adapts to new coaching and retooled roles across the secondary.
Khan told reporters the knee injury Ramsey suffered at minicamp does not require surgery. He expects Ramsey to miss only a couple of weeks of camp. The team views the absence as a cautious, smart approach rather than a serious long-term issue, per ESPN.
The Steelers are being careful across the board early in camp. Conditioning tests at the start of camp could push more players onto similar lists, per ESPN. Donte Kent also began camp on the PUP list, signaling the team's measured approach to roster health this summer.
Ramsey joined the Steelers in a 2025 trade with the Miami Dolphins. Pittsburgh sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami and got back Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a seventh-round pick. The deal brought in an experienced defensive back to anchor the secondary in a new era for the defense.
Ramsey played multiple positions in the secondary last season, giving Pittsburgh flexibility in how it uses him. His versatility makes him especially valuable as the Steelers shift to a 3-4 scheme, a system that demands defensive backs to adapt quickly to new alignments and assignments.
With Ramsey out, Brandin Echols is expected to start at nickel cornerback. Daylen Everette is also in the mix to challenge for Ramsey's slot role. The Steelers will need both players to step up quickly as the team installs its new defensive system, according to ESPN.
Ramsey's absence delays the full install of the new 3-4 defense right from the start of camp. Coaches will have to rely on depth in the secondary during the early weeks. The team hopes Ramsey is back on the field soon to get up to speed before the regular season begins, per Q1019FM.
Offensive lineman Broderick Jones, the Steelers' first-round pick in 2023, has been cleared to practice after undergoing neck surgery following a season-ending injury last year. His return is a positive sign for Pittsburgh's offense, though his status is still being evaluated, per ESPN.
Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract after Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option. That decision puts extra pressure on him to stay healthy and perform in 2025. His return to the practice field is a step in the right direction as the Steelers build toward the new season, according to 963 Jack FM.
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