BALTIMORE — With veteran Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson inactive, James Pierre received first-team reps in Saturday’s crucial divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Pierre received starting reps over second-year cornerback Cory Trice Jr., who has been a healthy scratch since returning from injured reserve on Dec. 5.
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.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed on Monday 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,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “I have no qualms about him stepping in and giving us some quality snaps when he has to.”
Pieree’s cousin is Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Pierre grew up playing football together in South Florida, but while some may think Pierre would give the Steelers the key to bringing down Jackson, he revealed there’s simply no answer.
“Ain’t no key. He’s crazy. That guy’s crazy,” Pierre said. “You never know with him.”
The Steelers got gashed by the Eagles last Sunday, 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.
Aaron Becker contributed reporting for this story.