Steelers Face Uncertainty as Star Duo Ramsey and Austin Miss Thursday Practice—What’s Next?

Thursday’s practice for the Steelers came with a mix of cautious optimism and lingering concern. Jalen Ramsey and Calvin Austin sat out again—Ramsey’s nagging hamstring and Austin’s shoulder keeping them on the sidelines for a second straight day, dimming the hopes of seeing them hit the field come Week 6 against Cleveland. Meanwhile, there’s a silver lining: Alex Highsmith took a big step forward, moving from limited to full participation after his pesky ankle kept him out of the last two games. Ben Skowronek, battling illness, also made a full return, which adds a bit more depth for the upcoming clash. Darius Slay and T.J. Watt bounced back with a full practice after a well-deserved rest day, but DK Metcalf and Cam Heyward opted to sit out Thursday’s session for their own recovery. Despite the absences, key players like Joey Porter Jr. and Jaylen Warren pushed through as full participants, signaling a team that’s grinding through adversity with grit. Given the patchwork nature of this practice squad, the Steelers’ resilience will surely be tested as the Cleveland showdown looms. LEARN MORE

Two key Steelers remained sidelined for Thursday’s practice.

Per the team’s injury report, cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) and receiver Calvin Austin (shoulder) did not practice for the second consecutive day.

That makes it more unlikely that Ramsey and Austin will be available for the Week 6 matchup against Cleveland.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith, however, is getting closer to playing, as he was upgraded from a limited to a full participant. Highsmith has missed Pittsburgh’s last two games with his ankle injury.

Receiver Ben Skowronek (illness) was upgraded from limited to full.

Cornerback Darius Slay and linebacker T.J. Watt returned to practice in full after resting on Wednesday. Receiver DK Metcalf and defensive tackle Cam Heyward did not practice as a rest day.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) and running back Jaylen Warren (knee) remained full participants.