Steelers CB Leaves Game with Injury

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice suffered a hamstring injury on the first series of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers and will not return.

Darius Rush is a healthy scratch, so James Pierre is the lone backup cornerback now. Pierre signed to the Steelers’ practice squad this week and was elevated for the game.

Trice had a clutch red zone interception in the third quarter of last Sunday’s 13-6 win over the Denver Broncos. It also marked Trice’s first career interception. After missing his entire rookie season due to an ACL injury, Trice’s teammates were thrilled for him to get rewarded with a game-changing interception.

“Cory stepped up in the moment,” defensive tackle Cam Heyward said. “What a heck of a way for a guy who was hurt all last year to be ready for that moment and make a big play for us and keep seven (points) off the board.”

Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt was also proud of Trice.

“How about Cory Trice? All that he’s been able overcome. Just seeing all the work he puts in, to see him get that interception is huge,” Watt said.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice at practice on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Steelers drafted Trice with the 241st pick in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft after he fell down draft boards due to pre-draft medical concerns.

Trice bounced back in 2022 after a torn ACL ended his previous season early. He played in all 13 games for Purdue and tallied 34 tackles, two interceptions, a career-high 12 passes defended, and two tackles for loss. His pick-six against the Indiana Hoosiers helped seal the Big Ten West title outright for the Boilermakers.

Following the season, the league’s coaches named Trice an honorable mention All-Big Ten nominee.

Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.