The shuffle in the Steelers’ secondary will continue this week against Cincinnati. Starting cornerback Darius Slay is in concussion protocol and his status for Sunday is unknown, but if he can’t go, coach Mike Tomlin says Jalen Ramsey will not move over from safety. James Pierre will inherit the corner. Tomlin said both of them had good games on Sunday against the Chargers.
The Steelers also signed veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to the practice squad yesterday and released veteran safety Darrick Forrest. Samuel has not played in the NFL since having spinal fusion surgery in September of last year. The team also reportedly worked out C.J. Henderson, a cornerback and former Atlanta first round draft choice who spent most of last year on the Steelers’ roster, playing in four games.
At his weekly media appearance yesterday, Tomlin said he is still confident in Aaron Rodgers to quarterback the Steelers.
Rodgers will have his weekly media availability today. He blamed himself on Sunday for the poor performance against L.A.
Tomlin says the Steelers receivers not named D.K. Metcalfe need to pick up their games to offer Rodgers better targets.
The biggest task on Sunday will be stopping Bengals superstar receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who caught an astounding 16 passes against the Steelers in their game last month. Tomlin says it won’t be easy.
The coach says the Steelers need to find their best fundamental game plan to beat the Bengals.
On the injury front, Tomlin said guard Isaac Seumalo will be back at practice today after missing Sunday’s game with a pectoral muscle injury. Safety Jabril Peppers, linebacker Cole Holcomb, and wide receiver Scotty Miller are also expected back
