Steelers Bench Ahkello Witherspoon for James Pierre

PHILADELPHIA — The Steelers have benched Ahkello Witherspoon in favor of James Pierre after Witherspoon allowed two touchdowns on go routes to Eagles receiver A.J. Brown.

Ahkello Witherspoon, who returned from a hamstring injury this week, has not had the week he was hoping for in his return to the field. Brown has caught four receptions and two touchdowns against Witherspoon in the game. Meanwhile, Cam Sutton has two pass breakups against the rest of the Eagles wide receivers.

Pierre has dealt with some injuries and has played well in his relief efforts of some injured Steelers cornerbacks. Now, it appears that Pierre will get the opportunity to prove he is more than just a feel-good story. The undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Florida Atlantic has played before in the Steelers system. He impressed against the Buccaneers, allowing only 3 receptions for 23 yards on 9 targets.

The Steelers are playing with only four cornerbacks as Josh Jackson and Levi Wallace both are out with injuries. Pierre came into the game working in subpackages, but now he will be the full-time outside cornerback as Witherspoon continues to struggle not only Sunday, but throughout the entire season to this point.

At half time, the Eagles currently lead 21-10.