Steelers camp report: Darius Slay rolls ankle, opening door for Brandin Echols to get more snaps

Mike Tomlin continues to rest Jalen Ramsey, and the Pittsburgh Steelers coach found himself down a second veteran cornerback Monday when Darius Slay was injured on the first play of “Seven Shots,” the 2-point conversion drill that opens the team portion of practice.

Tomlin said Slay “rolled” his ankle. Slay did not return to practice, but he wasn’t taken to the trainer’s room, either. He remained on the sideline for the duration of the two-hour session.

“It doesn’t appear to be significant,” Tomlin said. “We’ll get him back out there ASAP.”

Ramsey’s return from an unspecified injury also is expected to be imminent. Ramsey hasn’t taken part in team portions of practice for at least a week. Tomlin said Ramsey could practice Tuesday or when the Steelers scrimmage the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium.

“Oftentimes when I remove a guy like him, it’s about the opportunity it provides others,” Tomlin said, “so it’s been good on both counts.”

The absence of Ramsey and Slay has led to increased playing time with the first-team offense for safety Juan Thornhill and cornerback Brandin Echols, two other offseason additions to the Steelers.

Thornhill signed a one-year contract worth $3 million. Echols signed a two-year, $6 million deal. Both were acquired in free agency.

Thornhill and Echols were among the few veteran players to dress and start against Jacksonville in the preseason opener.

“I’m pleased with the progress of those two, not only Saturday night but in general,” Tomlin said. “We acquired some high-profile guys, guys with big resumes that get a lot of attention. But those two in particular have done a nice job learning what to do, letting their talent show and bringing a competitive spirit to our work daily.”

Among the players who were withheld from practice Monday were wide receiver Calvin Austin III, backup center Ryan McCollum, tight ends Jonnu Smith and J.J. Galbreath, quarterback Will Howard and defensive backs Donte Kent and Cory Trice Jr.