Upstart Steelers CB Continues Spirited Push for Roster Spot

UNITY TWP., Pa. — The Steelers have been on the lookout for some cornerback help after the serious knee injury to Cory Trice, and someone in the room is at least trying to make themselves known. That one guy would be XFL acquisition Luq Barcoo, who is proving to be a willing participant in all facets of cornerback play. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is getting a glimpse at Barcoo, who led the NCAA in interceptions during his senior year at San Diego State.

Barcoo brings a sense of urgency and competition to the room every day that most guys simply do not. So, I wanted to give a shoutout to Barcoo. He drew a number of different guys but made plays on the ball, nabbing three pass breakups in the one-on-one period. Barcoo, with some strong showings in preseason games, could begin to make a roster push. Though, for right now, he is in the practice squad after coming out of the XFL. And that readiness out of the XFL is something that the Steelers embrace.

“You know, I’m appreciative of the opportunity for guys to continually develop skills,” head coach Mike Tomlin said. “People finish their college eligibility; they’re not necessarily finished products. Leagues such as those provide an opportunity for guys to continually improve and then they get to show those improvements when they get in environments like this. We respect any man out here. We don’t care about what means they get here and I’m appreciative of the game readiness of some of those guys that are coming off seasons. It’s been a good thing for us.”

Still, for a position that as of right now has questions about the depth at outside cornerback, Barcoo is positioning himself to be a guy that sticks around. For now, that is as a practice squad member. But the door is open with some in-stadium performances for Barcoo to make some noise.