Jalen Ramsey impresses Steelers' teammates in rapid return from injury, big plays vs. Browns

An All-Pro for proficiency in skills such as intercepting passes and covering wide receivers, Jalen Ramsey entered Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers game with a mere three career sacks.

He left the 23-9 Steelers victory against the Cleveland Browns with five career sacks.

More importantly, though, was that he left Acrisure Stadium holding a much-heightened respect from teammates and coaches.

“If there was any question,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said of Ramsey, “about the type of person that he is — take away the incredible player — (but) the person and teammate he is, I think he just showed all of us the kind of guy that he is by going out there and playing.”

Despite suffering a hamstring injury during the Steelers’ most recent outing — Sept. 28 in Dublin — and not practicing until Friday, Ramsey suited up to face the Browns.

Ramsey at least once left the field for a short period of time in some degree of pain. But he tied for the team lead in solo tackles with four and was tied for third in overall tackles with six.

Most notable, though, were his two sacks of Dillon Gabriel on blitzes — the second of which showcased Ramsey’s speed as he tracked down Gabriel from behind.

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— Chris Ferland ???? (@chris_ferland) October 12, 2025

In a game that featured the NFL’s two sacks leaders over the past nine seasons — the Steelers’ T.J. Watt and Browns’ Myles Garrett — only teammate Nick Herbig matched Ramsey’s two credited sacks. Watt and Garrett combined for a mere half of a sack (by Watt).

“I’m going to probably tell my kids about this,” Ramsey said after the game. “I played in a game with T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett, and I had two sacks. That’s crazy. First time having two in my career. That’s pretty cool.”

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— Chris Ferland ???? (@chris_ferland) October 12, 2025

What was pretty cool to many of Ramsey’s teammates was how he worked himself into a condition to play at all. It had been reported after the Steelers beat the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin two weeks ago that Ramsey was expected to miss multiple games. And when he did not practice Monday, Wednesday or Thursday this past week (players were off Tuesday), it only added to the perception that Ramsey missing Sunday’s game was a fait accompli.

But Ramsey surprised by practicing in a full capacity Friday. Given a “questionable” designation for Sunday’s game on the status report released by the Steelers on Friday, Ramsey on Saturday was upgraded to a green light.

Ramsey said Friday that the fact the Steelers were about to play twice in five days — they are at the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday — would factor into his Sunday status.

Unsolicited during his postgame news conference, 21-year NFL veteran Rodgers made a point to compliment Ramsey.

“Because of what he did this week getting ready to play,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been around the game a long time, and I’ve seen a lot of (injured) guys. This is a situation where you’ve got (games scheduled for) Sunday and Thursday, (most players) skip both games.

“Some guys are scared to go out there and play. But for Jalen to go out there, everything he accomplished this week, I just can’t say enough about the level of respect I have for him.”

Coach Mike Tomlin called Ramsey’s quick turnaround from injury and desire to play, “a shining example of what professional football is about.

“But I doubt that any of us are surprised by it. Just having been around him since he’s gotten here, that’s very consistent behavior with what he’s displayed throughout (his playing career). I certainly know that’s a component of his football character.

“Not only do we appreciate his willingness to play, we appreciate his play making, and you need both in order for it to be real. He’s certainly provided both.”

A 10-year veteran and three-time AP NFL first-team All-Pro, Ramsey took the first snap of the game at deep free safety. But, as he had throughout the Steelers’ first four games this season, Ramsey on Sunday ended up lining up at myriad spots all over the defense: nine more at free safety, 39 in the slot/nickel spot, 12 as an outside corner and three as an in-the-box strong safety.

Entering Sunday’s game in his four games with the Steelers since arriving via a June 30 trade, Ramsey had an interception, four passes defensed, a QB hit and a fumble return for a touchdown that ended up overturned by video review.

“Not only is he one of the best cover guys in the league, but he’s also one of the best blitzers,” Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith said. “To see him coming and get those two sacks was awesome. I love the versatility he has for our defense.”

Said defensive co-captain Cameron Heyward: “There’s nothing he can’t do on the field. We’re very lucky to have him.”