PITTSBURGH — Cornerback Donte Jackson’s status for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 16 rematch against the Baltimore Ravens is up in the air, head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Monday during his weekly press conference.
Jackson suffered a back injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and did not return to the game.
Tomlin did not rule out Jackson for this week quite yet, but depending on the severity of his injury, the Steelers may decide to sit him on a short week.
“There were some guys that went down in game that are going to be evaluated and the door’s ajar for those guys,” Tomlin said. “As I mentioned, none of these six guys could be characterized as ‘out’ as I sit here today. We’ll probably start with partial participation with them tomorrow and increase that and make decisions as the week goes on.”
If Jackson were to miss time, it would be a big loss for the Steelers secondary, which allowed two 100-yard receivers (A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith) in Week 15. Jackson has played a key role in Pittsburgh’s defense opposite fellow cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and has the fourth-most interceptions (five) in the NFL.
However, Tomlin revealed he is more than confident in those behind Jackson if he is unable to play come Saturday.
“We’ve got a lot of capable players in that space that we’ve been really comfortable with, and we’ve been blessed with some depth there,” Tomlin said. “So if people are unavailable, I am completely comfortable with those that get an opportunity to play.”
Veteran corner James Pierre replaced Jackson on Sunday, but he allowed a two-yard touchdown pass to Smith, which increased the Eagles lead to 17-3.
That could open the door for second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr. The former seventh-round pick has been a healthy scratch since returning from injured reserve but would likely get a helmet if Jackson is inactive.
The Steelers will likely use practice as their guide to determine who would potentially start in Jackson’s place, but Tomlin expressed his comfortability in both players.
“Whether it’s James Pierre, whether it’s Cory Trice, when called upon, both guys have delivered and delivered to a satisfactory level,” Tomlin said. “I’m confident in terms of how they practice and approach their business. So I don’t know that that’s a big issue for us.”