The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get a win within the division against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday as they won by a score of 34-12. The defense came up big for the Steelers as the group secured two takeaways and scored two defensive touchdowns. The offense did enough to get the win, despite the fact that both Aaron Rodgers and Jaylen Warren exited the game due to injuries. The franchise also faced some adversity on the defensive side of the ball as star safety Jalen Ramsey was ejected during the second half of the contest.
AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey speaks with Mike Tomlin on the sideline during a home game in 2025.
Ramsey was ejected from the game in the second half after getting into altercations with star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase on two separate plays. The first time both players were penalized and given personal fouls, and the second time it was just Ramsey that was hit with the flag. According to NFL rules, when a player gets two personal fouls they are to be disqualified from that contest.
That was the case for Ramsey, and it was warranted as he threw a punch at the receiver in between plays. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about this instance during his postgame press conference, where he reprimanded his safety for his actions.
"I didn't need any." Tomlin said when asked if he got an explanation from the officials. "It doesn't matter. We got to be smarter. We got to stay in football games as individuals."
Tomlin was clearly upset with the way his veteran safety handled himself in the win on Sunday, and he was ejected at a time where the game was not clearly in hand. The safety lost his cool, and it could have cost his team as the group was going against one of the better passing attacks in the NFL.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH.
Pittsburgh's secondary struggled mightily the first time the collective squared off against the Bengals in 2025. The defense could not stop Cincinnati on the ground or through the air, and there was some worry that would be the case again. Tomlin was asked what was the difference this time around, where he decided to discuss Ramsey's actions once again.
"We got stability at the safety position." Tomlin said. "Other than, you know, Jalen not finishing the game. We got stability at the safety position."
Since the last time the Steelers played the Bengals, the organization made significant changes to the defensive backfield. Ramsey moved to safety full time, and the franchise acquired Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots via trade. Dugger made his presence felt as he picked off Joe Flacco and returned it for a touchdown, and Ramsey was playing well also up until his untimely ejection.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay during their debuts against the New York Jets in 2025.
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Could Get Hit With Suspension From The NFL
Ejections in the NFL are typically followed up by a fine and/or a suspension given out by the league. Ramsey will surely be fined for his two personal fouls and for throwing a punch at an opposing player, but the league could decide to suspend him for Pittsburgh's upcoming game against the Chicago Bears. That would be a significant loss for the defense, especially against a hot Bears team that has a record of 7-3.
Ramsey probably regrets his actions from the game on Sunday, and he also has said that Chase spit on him before he threw the punch. Nothing has been confirmed, but if that is true then it makes his actions seem less bad. Either way, a player with his amount of experience cannot be acting like that during an important game within the division, especially with the defense being shaky over the last couple of weeks.
What do you think about Tomlin's comments on Ramsey's ejection against the Bengals? Let us know in the comments below!
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