Pittsburgh Steelers may be forced to look elsewhere at key position due to durability concerns of recent draft pick
When Cory Trice Jr. fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers hoped they got a steal. But the only reason Trice made it that far was because of his daunting injury history, which would unfortunately re-surface in his rookie season as well as in 2024. So […]
When Cory Trice Jr. fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers hoped they got a steal.
But the only reason Trice made it that far was because of his daunting injury history, which would unfortunately re-surface in his rookie season as well as in 2024.
So for the Steelers and Omar Khan, as much as they like Trice, they know they may need to start looking at other options…
Cory Trice's durability a factor in Steelers' CB decsion
"We really like Cory [Trice]. The reality is that durability has been an issue and until durability is not an issue, you know, that's a position that we, you know, we have to keep our eye on," said Khan on Tuesday at the NFL Combine.
Since being drafted in 2023 Trice has played in just 6 of 34 potential games, battling an ACL tear in 2023 and a hamstring injury that placed him I.R. for the majority of the season in 2024.
A promising player given his quickness and length, when Trice was thrust into the fire at the end of the season, he struggled mightily against Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja'Marr Chase.
Not that anyone wouldn't, but it was clear that Trice just needed more time on task before he was thrown into an NFL fire of that magnitude.
But to make matters more pressing, the Steelers starter for the majority of the season opposite Joey Porter Jr., wasn't much better in terms of staying healthy.
"Yeah, we've had a conversation with [Donte Jackson]. You know, it was a good experience with Donte," added Khan. "He got the ball back for us a lot. If I'm not mistaken, I think it was seven times with the interceptions and the fumble recoveries. But, you know, he's a free agent, so again, options are on the table, all options on the table."
Jackson struggled with his own bout of back and upper body injuries in 2024. So it's clear that among many other positions, the Steelers will be addressing the CB spot this offseason, with the only question being who will start alongside Joey Porter Jr. come September.
