Injuries have hit the Pittsburgh Steelers on both sides of the ball, but the team received a positive update on one of their promising defensive starters.
Courtesy of the Week 3 injury report on Thursday, Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean, who missed Wednesday's practice with an ankle issue, returned on Thursday as a limited participant. A consecutive absence on Thursday would've been concerning from an availability standpoint, but even with limited participation, Dean's return to practice is an encouraging sign for Week 3.
CB Jamel Dean (ankle) did not practice yesterday but was back today.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) September 24, 2026
Jalen Ramsey (rest) also participating today. pic.twitter.com/YsmUjJXt84
Dean, who spent his first seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-2025), was
regarded as one of the top free-agent cornerbacks this past offseason, recording 11 career interceptions and allowing just one touchdown in coverage since 2024. He chose to sign with the Steelers in March 2026 on a three-year, $36.75 million deal.
Considering Joey Porter Jr.'s Week 3 availability concerns, the Steelers would be in real trouble if Dean can't suit up for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, potentially leaving Pittsburgh's secondary with a massive need at cornerback against the fearsome wide receiver duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers receive good news on injured CB before Week 3 game vs. Bengals
