Steelers CB Donte Jackson’s Status vs. Ravens is Up in the Air
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (back) is listed as questionable for Saturday’s crucial AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jackson returned to practice on Thursday, giving the team five of its six injured players in uniform for the final session before the club visits Baltimore. Jackson, was doing ball security drills with the defensive backs, including fellow injury recoverer DeShon Elliott (hamstring).
Jackson suffered a back injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles and did not return. Veteran corner James Pierre replaced Jackson.
Jackson was down on the field for a while before gingerly walking off with the team’s medical staff. He then went into the blue medical tend for further evaluation.
With Jackson out, Hurts completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Davonta Smith to enhance the Eagles’ lead to 17-3. Pierre was in coverage on the play. Jackson wasn’t all that impressive before exiting the game, as he missed two tackles Jackson and gave up a touchdown to A.J. Brown.
Jackson exited last Sunday’s game against Cleveland with a back injury. He had a patch on his back after the game, and it flared up again against the Eagles.
Jackson said that he had an MRI after the game that revealed the nerve damage. He said the injury flares up sporadically, depending on how he moves. The injury against the Eagles happened when he was trying to shed a block.
Steelers head coach Mike 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.”
Pierre struggled at times in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles, so 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.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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