Steelers Lose Key Players Jalen Ramsey and Calvin Austin to Injuries in Dublin Victory
DUBLIN, IRELAND -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are leaving Dublin with a win over the Minnesota Vikings, but some serious injuries they now need to be concerned about. The team lost both cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver Calvin Austin III, and may now be without both for some time.
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During their 24-21 win over the Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, the Steelers suffered multiple injuries. Only two seem to be long-term, but they do come at critical positions with crucial players to their organization. One, being their star defensive back who's played both safety and cornerback, and the other being their starting wide receiver.
According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, both Ramsey and Austin are expected to miss multiple weeks for the Steelers. The team is set to go into their Bye Week, but neither player is viewed as a likely candidate to return in just two weeks time.
"Steelers can use the bye: CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) and WR Calvin Austin III (shoulder) are expected to miss at least several games. Ramsey tried to return vs Vikings, but didn’t work out,"
Ramsey left before Austin did in the second half, suffering a hamstring injury. The injury came after a jump ball between he, Darius Slay and Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Afterward, Ramsey hobbled to the sideline and went into the medical tent.
Shortly after, Ramsey tried to re-enter the game but was unable to finish, ultimately ending the trip to Ireland on the sideline.
In terrible irony, Ramsey started the game by recovering a fumble and running into the endzone, faking a hamstring injury and then celebrating with Jefferson's signature celebration on the first drive. The play was ultmately called back.
Austin suffered a shoulder injury shortly after and was quickly taken into the tunnel and the locker room after being evaluated. After the game, head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Austin was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
It's unknown what the exact injury to Austin is, but with him being set to miss time, the Steelers will need to figure some things out.
On defense, Joey Porter Jr. should be able to step in and replace Ramsey as he is also returning from a hamstring injury. However, Pittsburgh's wide receiver core has yet to find a third and with Roman Wilson not seeing much playing time in the first four weeks, they'll be looking to add a player to their starting lineup that doesn't have much experience.
Shane Steichen Puts Colts CB On Notice After Rams WRs Expose Defensive Woes
There has finally been a stir in the Indianapolis Colts. In the last few weeks, many have pointed out a glaring issue with the team’s cornerback who have been targeted by almost all of their opponents. After the team’s first loss, the Colts’ Coach
Addressing the issues with the Colts’ CB, Xavien Howard’s struggles, the coach backed up the player. “
He also addressed wide receiver AD Mitchell’s fumble and called it “hard to explain that situation.” He further added, “
And what could have been a big moment turned out to be a mistake. Before the coach, Mitchell had already called the mistake “unacceptable.” “Just a play that can’t happen,
But this wasn’t the only issue with the Colts. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who has had an impressive record in the last 3 games, threw two interceptions. He threw his first interceptions on the first drive. The second interception was even more painful because of the timing.
With just a minute left, all three timeouts in hand, and the Colts needing a touchdown to tie the game, Jones went for a deep shot to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
There were, unfortunately, too many penalties. The team was flagged 11 times for 88 yards of penalties. As for now, the Colts’ concern is their CB.
The Colts’ defense has serious issues, and Shane Steichen must fix them fast
The CB has been targeted multiple times this season. Howard sat out all of 2024 with an injury. And in the first four games, opponent teams have consistently targeted him for big gains. Those issues were in the spotlight in the game against the Rams as well.
Howard struggled heavily in coverage against the Rams, allowing 7 receptions on 9 targets for 112 receiving yards and a touchdown. Quarterbacks attacking him posted a near-perfect 155.6 passer rating, and that speaks volumes about the CB’s issues in the game.
The Rams used wide receiver Puka Nakua in every way possible to push Howard. Nacua ended up with 13 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown, while Howard was struggling to keep up.
This is the first loss for the Colts, but the struggles aren’t new for the CB. So, coach Shane Steichen must fix the issue before the team lands in more trouble.
