Pittsburgh’s secondary depth faces a sudden crisis as Jamel Dean’s multi-week injury leaves the defense vulnerable following the high-profile decision to trade away Joey Porter Jr.
The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to part ways with Joey Porter Jr. and trade the cornerback to the Dallas Cowboys this week after the team was set to be without him for the fourth consecutive game of the regular season.
Porter had been on the injury report for non-injury-related/conditioning and back reasons through the first four weeks. His absence from the game came amid a contract dispute with the Steelers.
While it might have made more sense for the Steelers, going all-in on this season, to pay Porter before the cornerback market rose with new deals to Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez, Pittsburgh decided to delay those talks and wound up losing Porter for a critical season in the process.
The ramifications of losing Porter will be felt as the depth of the Steelers’ secondary will be tested with injuries this fall.
That will happen in Week 5.
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Steelers are expected to be without Jamel Dean for a "couple of weeks" as he recovers from an ankle injury. (In addition to Dean, Rapoport reported that defensive tackle Derrick Harmon could be placed on injured reserve with a foot injury suffered in the loss to the Browns on "Thursday Night Football" in Week 4.)
Dean will be a key loss for the Steelers. He recorded 14 tackles and two forced fumbles through the first four weeks.
With Porter, losing Dean for a couple of weeks would not have been as big of an issue. Now the depth of the secondary will be tested as the Steelers prepare to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.
Pittsburgh will need Daylen Everette and Doneiko Slaughter to play at a high level this season. The Steelers will hope Jalen Ramsey and Asante Samuel Jr. will stay healthy this fall.
Steelers need to put together some wins.
Through the first four weeks, the Steelers have been inconsistent. Much of their problems stem from the offensive side of the ball, where the offensive line has not been able to protect Aaron Rodgers or provide a solid rushing attack.
The defense has given up key plays. The Browns were able to successfully get into field goal range on their final drive to earn a 27-24 win. Maybe Porter would have made the difference, but Pittsburgh didn't invest in the cornerback before the season.
