The Pittsburgh Steelers are making significant changes in their secondary as they prepare for their Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has been elevated from the practice squad, allowing him to play for the first time as a member of the Steelers. Notably, Darius Slay Jr. has been named inactive for the game, marking the first instance this season he will not participate while healthy.
Impact of Darius Slay’s Inactivation
Darius Slay, who joined the Steelers after a successful season with the Philadelphia Eagles, signed a one-year contract worth $10 million. Throughout the 2024 season, he started in 14 games for the Eagles, contributing to their Super Bowl victory. However, Slay’s performance has declined, indicating he might be losing his edge at 34 years old.
Slay started the first nine games for Pittsburgh but struggled with minor injuries and inconsistencies. Following a concussion that kept him out of the Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Slay returned against the Chicago Bears but played for only 20 defensive snaps. His reduced involvement opened the door for James Pierre to take over his starting role.
Current Roster Adjustments Against the Bills
With Slay not available, the Steelers will rely on four cornerbacks for their game against the Bills:
- Joey Porter Jr. will resume his responsibilities on the boundary after recovering from a hip flexor injury.
- James Pierre has established himself as a significant contributor on defense.
- Brandin Echols will serve as the primary option in the slot.
- Asante Samuel Jr., returning from a spinal fusion surgery, will be gradually reintroduced into the lineup.
Jalen Ramsey, who transitioned to safety in Week 9, will continue in that role. Kyle Dugger, acquired from the New England Patriots at the trade deadline, will partner with Ramsey, bolstering the secondary’s presence.
This shakeup in the Steelers’ defense reflects their efforts to strengthen their performance as they head into a critical game against the Bills. The team’s ability to adapt and integrate new players will be crucial in ensuring a strong showing on the field.
