Steelers CB James Pierre Leaves Game, Ruled Out With Concussion

BALTIMORE — Steelers cornerback James Pierre has been ruled out for the remainder of the game after leaving the game against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half. He with immediately headed off to head into the locker room to be evaluated for a head injury and has been diagnosed with a concussion.

James Pierre was one of four cornerbacks that the Steelers came into the game with, but with him out, they will now only have three cornerbacks with Levi Wallace, Cam Sutton, and Arthur Maulet. Now, Damontae Kazee and Elijah Riley have experience at cornerback, so the Steelers could lean upon them to try and replace some of what Pierre can do.

Pierre’s return to the game is questionable after being evaluated for a head injury. With that in mind, Sutton will stay on the outside while Maulet mans the slot, even on coverage downs. Pierre has stepped up in recent weeks at the cornerback who comes in during the Steelers’ subpackages, so a potential injury hurts their versatility on the back end of what is largely a shorthanded secondary already.

Pittsburgh could lean on some more three safety packages and use Kazee in the slot. Moreover, Pittsburgh just released cornerback Josh Jackson, who was then claimed by the Arizona Cardinals. As such, with the loss, the Steelers are expecting to be shorthanded with Pierre’s absence.