The Steelers head into their Week 5 bye with injuries testing depth at corner and receiver. Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) and Calvin Austin III (shoulder) are sidelined for multiple games, elevating Brandin Echols and a returning Joey Porter Jr. as the top cover options and potential targets for replacement. Ben Skowronek looms as a practical Austin substitute, while the bye buys Pitt time to regroup for a demanding AFC North stretch.

Fantasy focus centers on Echols’ matchup-driven value, Skowronek’s potential target share, and Porter Jr.’s health. With upcoming Steelers tests against the Jets and Patriots, monitoring how Pitt distributes targets and coverage will guide streaming and DFS decisions as the defense and offense recalibrate after the break.

T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey anchored Pittsburgh’s Week 1 defense, delivering elite PFF marks as the unit navigated injuries and still beat the Jets. Watt led the way at 82.4, with Ramsey close behind at 79.4, pairing edge pressure with tight coverage to highlight the day’s brightest defensive performances.

The top-10 on defense also featured Daniel Ekuale, DeShon Elliott, Patrick Queen, Cameron Heyward, Brandin Echols, Malik Harrison, Chuck Clark, and Juan Thornhill, who all chipped in with crucial stops and fits. Week 2 vs. Seattle looms, making health the biggest variable for sustaining pressure and limiting big plays in a tighter matchup.

Fantasy takeaway: Watt remains a high-floor star; Thornhill and Ramsey offer steady safety floors; Echols and Clark could be viable DB plays if others deteriorate. Depth players will be tested as Pittsburgh leans on its stars to carry the unit through injuries.

DeShon Elliott's knee injury in Week 1 vs. New York Jets leaves Pittsburgh with a thinner safety room as the Steelers lean on Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark to lead the back end. Jalen Ramsey may slide between corner and safety, with Brandin Echols stepping into a larger role if needed. Rookie Derrick Harmon and Nick Herbig were sidelined, forcing creative package adjustments and a likely shift in coverage schemes early in the season.

Fantasy and betting angles hinge on how Pittsburgh reshapes its safety pairings. Thornhill’s workload could rise, Ramsey’s versatility becomes even more valuable, and Echols’ snap count could surge in coverage alignments. The Steelers need to stay aggressive, but depth will be tested as Elliott’s absence narrows the safety closet and invites tactical tweaks from the coaching staff.