When asked about a possible return date for injured cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh Steelers secondary coach Gerald Alexander said he did not have an answer. “That’s a head coach question,” Alexander stated. “I’ve got no clue.”
Alexander has been adjusting to frequent changes in his defensive lineup this season, as injuries and new additions have led to different personnel each week. He explained that having all the players in the same meeting room helps with continuity. “So, with that being said, everybody’s kind of developing at the same pace, understanding what to say, what calls are being made, what communications are being made, the emphasis that we put on them. So, it’s just a matter of everybody always being prepared for when their number is called, because due to any type of circumstances guys can be inserted in there and they’re expected to perform at a high level,” Alexander said.
The Steelers bolstered their secondary during the offseason by acquiring Pro Bowlers Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay, along with Brandin Echols, Chuck Clark, and Juan Thornhill. The team also added Jabrill Peppers during the season. Returning players include Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott, and James Pierre.
However, injuries have affected several key players. Both Porter and Elliott missed time due to injuries. Elliott returned recently during a game in Ireland against the Vikings and made significant contributions: he intercepted a pass and forced a fumble with a strip-sack on Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz. Elliott finished third on the team in tackles for that game.
“You see the impact that he had in the game just recently coming back from his setback,” Alexander said about Elliott. “He’s always going to be a guy that we’re going to always look to have a big role in.”
While Ramsey may remain sidelined for some time, Porter could soon rejoin the lineup. Alexander emphasized Porter’s importance: “It helps out tremendously,” he said regarding Porter’s return. “Joey’s a really good player. He’s a significant player for us that we know can be a contributor when he’s on the grass. And so getting his services back is going to be big.”
Alexander summarized the ongoing challenge: “Again, it goes back to the conversation that we’re going to have with what personnel do we have available, how do we best deploy our individuals out there to be able to help us achieve the game plan that we want to achieve out there on the field.”
The Steelers’ defensive lineup remains fluid as they adapt each week.
