Steelers Place Veteran Cornerback on Injured Reserve

Pittsburgh Steelers CB C.J. Henderson
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback C.J. Henderson at practice on Sept. 25, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed veteran cornerback C.J. Henderson on the reserve/injured list, the team announced on Saturday afternoon. In a corresponding move, the Steelers signed running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Henderson, who was dealing with a neck injury, was already ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Henderson was signed to the 53-man roster on Oct. 22 from the practice squad. He was inactive against the New York Giants and Washington Commanders.

Henderson, 25, was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Florida for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started eight games as a rookie in 2020 and seven more in 2021, but quickly fell out of favor in Jacksonville. Henderson was drafted by Doug Marrone in 2020, but clashed with new head coach Urban Meyer in 2021.

Henderson was traded to the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27, 2021, in exchange for tight end Dan Arnold and a swap of draft picks. He started in five games for Carolina in 2021 and then 10 in 2022 and seven in 2023. Henderson became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season and signed with the Houston Texans, but he was released on Aug. 27.

Pittsburgh Steelers C.J. Henderson

In his time in Carolina, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Henderson was the No. 2 outside cornerback, alongside current Steelers corner Donte Jackson. In 49 career games, starting 32, Henderson has recorded 172 tackles (139 solos), 16 passes defended, six tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack and fumble recovery.

The Steelers signed Henderson to their practice squad on Sept. 25. The Steelers placed cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring) on injured reserve and promoted cornerback James Pierre to the active roster, which opened up a spot for Henderson on the PS.

In 49 career games, starting 32, Henderson has recorded 172 tackles (139 solos), 16 passes defended, six tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack and fumble recovery.

 

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