Pittsburgh Steelers Make Contingency Plans for Jalen Ramsey's Injury Crisis
With Pittsburgh Steelers star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in danger of potentially missing several games with a hamstring injury he suffered against the Minnesota Vikings during Week 4, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin acknowledged that the team needs a contingency plan in place while also stating that they are prepared to deal with his absence.
“I think it’s like any time you lose a starter. You’re gonna have to work through those things,” Austin said. “But, right now, it’s typical. It happens because you have to deal with it every year. Most of the time, it’s not the same starting unit out there all 17 games. So we’ll work our way through it if it shows up that way. We’ll figure it out.”
Ramsey's Injury Timeline
Ramsey's injury vs. Minnesota occurred near the end of the third quarter while he was covering wide receiver Jordan Addison. He was seen grabbing his hamstring and headed to the blue medical tent before later returning to the game in the fourth quarter.
The 30-year-old was not on the field during the Vikings' last offensive drive of the contest, however, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac later reported that he is expected to miss several games once the
Other CB Injuries
Pittsburgh's cornerback room has been shorthanded for nearly the entire campaign, with Joey Porter Jr. having been out for each of the team's last three games after sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 1 against the New York Jets.
Brandin Echols also went down with an injury in the fourth quarter vs. Minnesota, though he later explained that he was just dealing with cramping in his calves and that he'll be good to go against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.
Darius Slay Jr., who sustained a leg contusion vs. the New England Patriots in Week 3 and has battled through numerous other minor ailments this season, was also pulled against the Vikings with an undisclosed injury after being seen grabbing at his side. He'd later return to the contest, though, and it doesn't appear his availability will be impacted moving forward.
Possible Ramsey Replacements
In the event that Ramsey has to miss a handful of games, which seems likely at this point, Slay and Echols will continue shouldering heavy workloads while the
James Pierre, who logged 23 defensive snaps vs. Minnesota according to Pro Football Focus, should also remain a rotational piece for
Beanie Bishop Jr., who started six games as an undrafted rookie last year and came away with four interceptions, could also take on some nickelback responsibilities as a potential elevation candidate from the practice squad.
Dallas Cowboys President Jerry Jones Expresses Interest in Reuniting with Legend Emmitt Smith as Assistant Offensive Coordinator
In a bold move aimed at rejuvenating the coaching staff and gearing up for a Super Bowl run in 2025, Dallas Cowboys President Jerry Jones has expressed interest in bringing back the team's legendary figure, Emmitt Smith, as an assistant offensive coordinator. Smith, a Cowboys icon and three-time Super Bowl champion, has gained valuable coaching experience at various levels, including stints in other leagues. This move signals that the Cowboys are focused on restructuring their coaching staff to return to championship contention and reclaim their top position in the NFL.
A Storied Career
Emmitt Smith is not only one of the most legendary players in Dallas Cowboys history but also a symbol of perseverance, work ethic, and leadership. With 8 Pro Bowl selections and 3 Super Bowl victories, Smith was instrumental in creating unforgettable moments for Cowboys fans. He is regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and a natural leader on and off the field.
Smith had a long and illustrious career, culminating in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He not only became the NFL's all-time leading rusher but also helped the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles during the 1990s.
A New Chapter: Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Emmitt Smith transitioned into coaching and gained valuable experience, including involvement with various teams and mentoring young talent. Smith’s deep understanding of offensive play, particularly the running game, and his ability to develop future stars make him an ideal candidate for the assistant offensive coordinator role with the Dallas Cowboys.
Although Smith does not have extensive coaching experience, his knowledge of the game, particularly the Cowboys’ system, combined with his ability to inspire and mentor, will be pivotal in improving the team’s offensive performance. Smith’s leadership qualities, honed through years of success, will provide a strong foundation for the growth and development of the Cowboys.
Emmitt Smith’s Powerful Statement
When asked about the opportunity to return to the team, Emmitt Smith made a heartfelt statement:
"Returning to the Dallas Cowboys is a great honor for me. I bring all my experience and passion to help this team grow. My goal is not just to coach, but to inspire us all to reach that Super Bowl in 2025."
This statement reflects Smith’s unwavering commitment to the Cowboys and his goal of helping the team reach the pinnacle once again.
Jerry Jones and the Vision for the Future
Jerry Jones’ decision to bring Emmitt Smith back as an assistant offensive coordinator demonstrates his strong commitment to bringing the Cowboys back to greatness. While the Cowboys have had success in recent years, not winning the Super Bowl remains a key challenge the team aims to overcome.
Smith’s return will bring new energy to the team, particularly in developing young running backs and strengthening the offensive line. The combination of Smith’s coaching experience and leadership will help the Cowboys build a more formidable offensive system with the ultimate goal of securing the Super Bowl in 2025.
A Path to Glory
With Emmitt Smith joining the coaching staff, the Dallas Cowboys are entering a new era in their journey. While challenges remain, the combination of experience and raw talent will help the team push through obstacles and accelerate their rebuild. The Cowboys are not only working to restore their legacy but are also focused on achieving their ultimate goal—the Super Bowl championship in 2025.
With the unwavering support of their loyal fanbase and the return of a legend like Emmitt Smith, the future of the Dallas Cowboys is certainly bright. The team is on track to rebuild a strong roster, and with Smith’s guidance, they will be poised to contend for the Super Bowl title in the coming seasons.
