James

Pierre

Pierre was seeing an extended run on the outside with Darius Slay a healthy inactive. With him in the locker room, that has led to more snaps for newly signed Asante Samuel Jr.

Aside from a short offseason stint with the Commanders last offseason, Pierre has spent his entire career with the Steelers. The sixth-year vet appeared in 15 games for them last season, making two starts and picking off one pass. Pierre can provide depth to Pittsburgh’s cornerback room but is likely best suited as a special teamer.

Pierre’s signing shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a depth signing for now. The four-year corner has appeared in 66 games for his career but has made only six starts. Per PFF, Pierre has played 260 defensive snaps or less in three of his four seasons.

Porter was added to the injury report on Thursday, but still got in a limited session in each of the team’s last two practice. The rookie corner has been a near lock down player for the Steelers this season, allowing just one reception for 12 yards on 10 targets while forcing one interception. In addition to Porter, the Steelers also listed cornerbacks Levi Wallace (foot) and James Pierre (ankle) as questionable, with Pierre being a Friday addition to the injury report.

A 2020 UDFA, Pierre was a free agent for the first time. He’s put up fairly solid numbers in his first three seasons as a part-time role, but will likely remain depth behind Patrick Peterson, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Levi Wallace.