Steelers’ enticing free agent acquisition is finally set to make debut vs. Bills after key starter goes to injured reserve
The Steelers will receive some defensive help, but it will come at a cost.
After a stretch where the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense looked like it had finally caught fire, all of the issues in the secondary resurfaced to plague the team against the Chicago Bears, and there were simply too many errors in the backend.
Well, the Steelers may have a remedy for that, and they will need it against the reigning MVP this week in Pittsburgh. That help comes via Asante Samuel Jr., who has been activated to the 53-man roster for the first time since he was signed a few weeks ago. The only issue? His activation meant someone had to leave the active roster. That man was starting LT Broderick Jones.
Steelers activate Asante Samuel Jr., place LT Broderick Jones on injured reserve
Jones’ injury was a scary one. His head launched into the chest of a Bears defender, and he was ruled out almost immediately with a stinger, which is a very tricky injury. Sometimes they can last a few days, sometimes they can last months, and in the case of Ryan Watts, who the Steelers drafted in 2024, they can be career-ending.
Jones going straight to IR means he’s out a minimum of four games. We will see what Mike Tomlin says during his presser after the Bills game and during the week to see how long the Steelers’ starting LT is out. Andrus Peat, who the Steelers signed back in August, will be the starter for the time being as Calvin Anderson continues his role as the swing tackle.
As for the man replacing his roster spot? There is a lot to like.
The Steelers were first interested in acquiring Samuel Jr. last offseason, but the lingering injury concerns scared them off. Evidenced by his visit schedule earlier this month, Samuel was deeemed healthy and now he can bolster a secondary that lives and dies off turnovers and deflections, something Samuel Jr. excelled at during his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Bills are going to test the middle of the Steelers’ defense, and that’s where a player like Samuel Jr. can thrive. He’s more of a slot corner than outside one, but he plays with an intensity that mirrors what Mike Hilton brought to Pittsburgh during his time in the black and gold.
As for the offense, the Bills defense hasn’t been great, but you better beleieve that they will be testing a backup LT and Aaron Rodgers’ left wrist.
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