Promising Steelers CB Does Not Crack Starting Lineup Again
PITTSBURGH — With Pittsburgh.Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. inactive, James Pierre received first-team reps in Wednesday’s crucial game against the 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium.
Pierre received starting reps over second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr. for the second consecutive week. He started in replace of Donte Jackson against the Baltimore Ravens. Prior to Saturday, Trices had been a healthy scratch since returning from injured reserve on Dec. 5.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said on Monday to expect Pierre and Trice to rotate opposite of Jackson against the Chiefs. Pierre got benched after allowing an 11-yard touchdown to Justin Watson in the second quarter.
Jackson suffered a back injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles and did not return. Pierre replaced Jackson, and gave up a 2-yard touchdown pass to DaVonta Smith to enhance the Eagles’ lead to 17-3. Jackson has dealt with a nagging back injury throughout the season, but he’s good to go against Kansas City.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said last week that he was more than confident in those behind Jackson.
“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.
“Whether it’s James Pierre, whether it’s Cory Trice, when called upon, both guys have delivered and delivered to a satisfactory level. 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.”
Pierre was an undrafted rookie in 2020. He went onto play four seasons in Pittsburgh before the team parted ways with him last offseason. After a short stint with the Washington Commanders, he rejoined the Steelers in September.
Pierre has answered the call when called upon. He has 18 tackles (14 solo), one forced fumble, one interception and two passes defensed in his limited action.
“What you see in practice is a lot of high effort, high energy, attacking the ball. So what happens in the game, he goes in and does the same thing and usually good things happen,” Austin said. “I have no qualms about him stepping in and giving us some quality snaps when he has to.”
The Steelers got gashed by the Eagles in their Week 15 loss, surrendering 401 yards offense. Jalen Hurts tossed three touchdowns and wide receivers A.J. Brown and DaVonta Smith both had over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Last week wasn’t that much better, as the Ravens rushed over 200 yards against the Steelers. The pass defense was once again below the line, as Ravens tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews both scored on wide-open touchdowns. Wide receiver Zay Flowers also went over 100 yards receiving.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
Read This Next
