Brandin Echols Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Steelers vs Bears game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 16, 2025
Questionable to return Sunday
Echols (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bengals, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols exited the second half of Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Before the cornerbacks' departure, he logged five tackles, including two solo tackles. If Echols is unable to return D'Shawn Jamison is next in line to take over at slot cornerback.
Sep 22, 2025
Records INT in win
Echols recorded six tackles (four solo) and one interception in the Steelers' win over the Patriots on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
With Joey Porter (hamstring) missing another contest, Echols got the start in Pittsburgh's secondary and played 84 percent of the defensive snaps. Echols' interception came at the end of the first half, picking off Drake Maye in the end zone on a pass intended for Kayshon Boutte. It was Echols' first interception of the season.
Mar 14, 2025
Lands deal with Pittsburgh
Echols and the Steelers agreed on a two-year contract Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols spent the first four seasons of his career with the Jets, tallying 121 tackles, 16 defensed passes (including five interceptions, two of which were returned for a TD) and one fumble recovery over 57 regular-season games. He was used mostly in a rotational role last season, starting in just four of 16 contests while also working as a core special-teamer. Darius Slay and Joey Porter are slated to start at outside cornerback for Pittsburgh next year, so Echols could work behind that pair or compete to start in the slot.
Jan 11, 2025
Has promising 2024 campaign
Echols logged 40 tackles (29 solo), three pass defenses (including two interceptions) and a recovered fumble over 16 games (four starts) during the regular season.
ANALYSIS
Echols' role fluctuated significantly throughout the campaign -- for example, he logged over 90 percent of New York's defensive snaps in four games but played exclusively on special teams in four other contests. Nonetheless, he co-led New York with two pickoffs, marking the second time four career campaigns he's notched multiple interceptions. Echols will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and if he returns to the Jets he has an opportunity to move into a starting role with fellow cornerback D.J. Reed unlikely to be back.
Dec 19, 2024
Practices in full
Echols (shoulder) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The cornerback was estimated as a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough session. Echols missed the team's Week 15 win over the Jaguars after starting in place of Sauce Gardner, who had a hamstring issue, in the Jets' Week 14 loss to the Dolphins. With Echols, Gardner and D.J. Reed, who was dealing with a groin injury, all healthy again, New York should have a full depth chart of corners for this Sunday's game against the Rams.
Dec 13, 2024
Downgraded to out for Week 15
Echols (shoulder) will sit out Sunday's contest against Jacksonville, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols was originally deemed doubtful for Sunday's matchup, but that designation changed to out a few hours later. The fourth-year cornerback worked as a starter in place of Sauce Gardner this past Sunday against Miami and tallied 10 tackles and a defensed pass. Gardner is set to return Week 15, but in addition to Echols sitting out, fellow cornerback D.J. Reed is doubtful due to a groin issue.
Dec 13, 2024
Likely missing Week 15
Echols (shoulder) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols opened the Jets' week of practice as a limited participant before downgrading to a DNP on Thursday, suggesting that he's trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday. If the Kentucky product is sidelined as expected in Week 15, Qwan'tez Stiggers could see increased work as the Jets' top rotational outside cornerback.
Dec 10, 2024
Productive game in place of Sauce
Echols finished with 10 tackles (nine solo) and a pass breakup in Sunday's 32-26 loss to the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
The 2021 sixth-round pick drew the start with Sauce Gardner out due to a hamstring injury, and he played on all 66 defensive snaps. Echols has appeared in all 13 of New York's games this season, including three starts, recording 31 tackles (23 solo), three pass breakups, including two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. His status for next week's matchup with the Jaguars will likely depend on Gardner's availability.
Dec 4, 2024
Absent from injury report
Echols (undisclosed) was not listed on the Jets' injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Echols was limited to just 15 snaps (two on defense, 13 on special teams) during the Jets' 26-21 loss to the Seahawks this past Sunday due to dehydration. That doesn't appear to be a lingering issue, and the 2021 sixth-round pick should be good to go against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Dec 1, 2024
Exits early in Week 13
Echols suffered from dehydration during Sunday's 26-21 loss to the Seahawks, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols failed to record any stats on the day before his departure, but his status heading into Week 14 is likely not in question. His status at practice during the upcoming week will be worth monitoring, but the concern level is likely minimal at the moment.
Nov 15, 2024
Ready for Sunday
Echols (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Colts.
ANALYSIS
Echols sustained a concussion in the Jets' Week 10 loss to the Cardinals, but it now appears that he's cleared the NFL's five-step protocol in time to face Indianapolis on Sunday. With Echols back at full health, he's expected to serve as one of the Jets' top rotational cornerbacks in Week 11.
Nov 14, 2024
Limited in practice Thursday
Echols (concussion) logged a limited practice session Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Echols didn't play at all in the second half of Sunday's game against Arizona after suffering a first-half concussion. He sat out practice Wednesday but appears to be making progress given his ability to return in a limited fashion Thursday. Echols will need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in order to suit up in Week 11 against Indianapolis on Sunday.
Nov 13, 2024
Begins week with DNP
Echols (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols sustained a concussion in the Jets' Week 10 loss to the Cardinals, so it's no surprise he's sitting out of practice Wednesday. The Kentucky product must clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in order to suit up Sunday, when the Jets host the Colts.
Nov 10, 2024
Ruled out versus Cardinals
Echols has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's matchup versus Arizona due to a concussion.
ANALYSIS
Echols will be unable to return after suffering a concussion in the first half of Sunday's game. In his absence, Qwan'tez Stiggers should see increased playing time.
Sep 16, 2024
Secures interception in win
Echols recorded five total tackles (four solo), an interception and a pass defensed in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Echols filled in for D.J. Reed (knee) as one of the New York's starting outside cornerbacks, picking off Will Levis in the second quarter. The 26-year-old played all 66 of the team's defensive snaps and will likely operate in a similar role if Reed is unable to go again on Thursday Night Football in Week 3 versus the Patriots.
Nov 25, 2023
Scores 30-yard pick-six off Tua
Echols had two tackles (one solo) and an interception, which he returned 30 yards for a touchdown, in Friday's 34-13 loss to the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
After converting a fake punt with a catch in the previous game, Echols made another splashy play, getting the Jets on the board with a pick-six in the final minute of the first half. Unfortunately, the Jets surrendered a pick-six of their own on the final play before halftime, taking the air out of the team's sails and ultimately rendering Echols' touchdown inconsequential to the game's outcome.
Nov 20, 2023
Converts fake punt in loss
Echols had five tackles (three solo) and a pass defensed in Sunday's 32-6 loss to Buffalo. He also notched an 18-yard catch.
ANALYSIS
Echols' reception came on a fake punt, as he caught a pass thrown by punter Thomas Morstead. The play was originally ruled a 44-yard reception, but Echols was determined to have stepped out of bounds after an 18-yard gain, continuing the recent theme of the Jets having big plays reduced or erased by penalties or reviews.
Oct 25, 2023
Full participant Wednesday
Echols (hamstring) logged a full practice with the Jets on Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols was unavailable for each of New York's last two games prior to their Week 7 bye week, but he appears to be healthy ahead of their Week 8 matchup with the Giants. The cornerback has recorded two tackles while playing in three contests with the Jets in 2023.
Oct 13, 2023
Will sit out vs. Philly
Echols (hamstring) is listed as out for Sunday's game versus the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Echols will sit out for a second straight game as he recovers from a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 4 versus Kansas City. Bryce Hall should continue to see an uptick in snaps in Echols' absence.
Oct 4, 2023
Won't play versus Denver
Echols (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Jets' game against the Broncos on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Echols will now miss Sunday's game after suffering a hamstring injury against the Chiefs last week. With the 25-year-old out, Bryce Hall could be in line for more playing time.
Oct 1, 2023
Downgraded to out
Echols (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against Kansas City, Ethan B. Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols was initially deemed doubtful to return, so it's not very surprising to see him ruled out for the rest of the game. His next opportunity to suit up will be next Sunday against the Broncos, but it's unclear whether he'll be able to do so.
Oct 1, 2023
Unlikely to return
Echols is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against Kansas City due to a hamstring injury.
ANALYSIS
Echols recorded a tackle on special teams prior to exiting Sunday's matchup in the first half. It seems unlikely that he'll be available to close out the game.
Sep 12, 2023
Done serving suspension
Echols was reinstated from the reserve-suspended list Tuesday ahead of Sunday's game at Dallas, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
After being forced to sit out of Week 1 due to violating the league's personal conduct policy, Echols will be available to suit up in Week 2. He's most likely to contribute on special teams barring injuries to the Jets' secondary.
Aug 3, 2023
Done for preseason opener
Echols (hip) won't return to Thursday's preseason game against the Browns, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols limped to the locker room late in the first half, per Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site. The cornerback is suspended for the regular-season opener, but Echols is eligible to play in preseason and will look to heal up before the Jets travel to Carolina for their next preseason game Aug. 12.
May 25, 2023
Hit with one-game suspension
The NFL suspended Echols (quadriceps) one game for violating the league's personal conduct policy Thursday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols started all 14 games he appeared in as a 2021 sixth-round rookie, but he was relegated to strict special teams work last season, playing just 69 defensive snaps across 13 contests. Echols will miss the Week 1 opener against the Bills.
Jan 8, 2023
Season officially over
Echols (quadriceps) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Echols has missed each of the team's last three games and his season is now officially over. He saw a diminished role on the defensive unit as compared to 2021, but he was still a special teams contributor and managed eight total tackles in 13 games.
Jan 7, 2023
Out again
Echols (quadriceps) will remain sidelined for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as Echols was a non-participant at practice all week. The absence will be his fourth straight due to a quadriceps injury he suffered in Week 14. Michael Carter again figures to be in line for a larger rotational cornerback role as a result.
Dec 30, 2022
Not suiting up New Year's Day
Echols (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols will now miss his third consecutive contest as a result of the quadriceps injury he sustained back in Week 14. In his absence, Michael Carter is in line for a larger rotational cornerback role this weekend behind starters Sauce Gardener and D.J. Reed.
Dec 17, 2022
Ruled out as expected
Echols (quadriceps) is out for Sunday's game against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Echols suffered a quadriceps injury in Week 14 and was immediately deemed unlikely to play in Week 15. He did not practice in any capacity leading up to the matchup against the Lions, so it's unclear when he may be to return to game action.
Dec 12, 2022
Likely out Week 15
Echols is likely out for Sunday's matchup against the Lions due to a quadriceps injury, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols played exclusively on special teams during the Jets' Week 14 loss to the Bills and picked up a quadriceps injury that'll likely sideline him for at least one week. His expected absence shouldn't impact New York's defense.
Jan 2, 2022
Picks off Brady
Echols had four solo tackles and an interception in Sunday's 28-24 loss to Tampa Bay.
ANALYSIS
Echols created an unforgettable moment for himself by intercepting a Tom Brady deep ball late in the second quarter. He returned it 30 yards to set up Eddy Pineiro's 51-yard field goal just before halftime. The Jets took a 17-10 lead into the locker room and extended the lead to 24-10, but New York's inexperienced secondary couldn't make it hold up.
Dec 11, 2021
Set for return
Echols (thigh) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Echols missed the minimum of three games while on injured reserve and should be ready to return for a Week 14 matchup against New Orleans. Prior to the injury, Echols played a key for the Jets defense, racking up 41 total tackles and four passes defended across nine games.
Dec 8, 2021
Returns to practice
Echols (thigh) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols had been sidelined since he sustained a quad injury against the Bills in Week 11. Whether he's able to return to game action for Sunday's matchup against the Saints remains to be seen, but the cornerback will need to be activated within 21 days if he hopes to return in 2021.
Nov 16, 2021
Lands on injured reserve
Echols (thigh) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols was already ruled out for 3-to-5 weeks with the injury, so his placement on injured reserve was done to open up space on the roster. Javelin Guidry is likely to see more time in the Jets' secondary in Echols' absence.
Nov 15, 2021
Will miss time
Echols (thigh) will likely miss 3-to-5 weeks according to head coach Robert Saleh,Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols left early Sunday against the Bills and was unable to return. He has been a steady contributor for the Jets in his rookie season, compiling 41 tackles and four passes defensed. In his absence, Javelin Guidry will likely move into the starting role.
Nov 14, 2021
Won't return Sunday
Echols (thigh) won't return Sunday against the Bills, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York.
ANALYSIS
It remains to be seen if Echols will be available for next Sunday's game against the Dolphins. This means Javelin Guidry will see a sizable uptick on his playing time.
Oct 10, 2021
Active for Sunday's game
Echols (concussion) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
Echols suffered a concussion during Week 4 action, but was able to return to a full practice Friday, setting the stage for him to suit up Sunday. In four games to date, Echols has recorded 13 tackles. He's in line to draw the Week 5 start at cornerback opposite Bryce Hall.
Oct 8, 2021
Listed as questionable for Sunday
Echols (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest with the Falcons, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols suffered a concussion during Week 4, but he was able to log a limited practice Thursday and a full practice Friday. He will likely be a game-time decision, but if he is unable to go, then expect Javelin Guidry to draw the start opposite Bryce Hall on Sunday.
Oct 3, 2021
Ruled out for remainder of game
Echols (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's contest against the Titans, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Echols left Sunday's game in the first half and was quickly diagnosed with a concussion. Javelin Guidry will likely see an increased role for the remainder of Week 4.
Oct 3, 2021
Being evaluated for a concussion
Echols (head) is being evaluated for a concussion during Sunday's contest against the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Echols registered two tackles before leaving the game. Javelin Guidry will likely see an increased role during Echols' absence.
Sep 8, 2021
Absent from injury report
Echols (shoulder) isn't listed on Wednesday's injury report.
ANALYSIS
Echols suffered the injury in the preseason finale but will be ready to play in the season opener. The rookie sixth-round pick is listed atop the depth chart at cornerback with Isaiah Dunn and Jason Pinnock, so it's unclear who will be starting opposite Bryce Hall.
Aug 28, 2021
Didn't return to Friday's contest
Echols didn't return to Friday's preseason contest against the Eagles after suffering a shoulder injury, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.
ANALYSIS
Initially, it appeared to be a stinger as he wasn't able to move his arm as he made his way to the sideline, but after spending time in the medical tent he was sent straight to the locker room. The severity of the injury is unknown, but Echols needs all the reps he can get as he competes with Elijah Campbell and Isaiah Dunn for a roster spot.