PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre left the team’s game against the Buffalo Bills with a concussion, head coach Mike Tomlin said. Veteran Darius Slay was benched for the game with Asante Samuel Jr. up from the practice squad.
Samuel replaced Pierre and played for the rest of the game. Pierre is now in the concussion protocol and could miss this week’s game if he can not clear it.
Wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams was able to clear concussion protocol before the team’s game against the Bears last week without missing game, while Slay himself missed a game with a concussion after failing to clear protocol. It is variable, but if Pierre can not play against the Ravens, it would likely be Samuel starting.
Pierre, the sixth-year NFL veteran, was always known as the standout special teams gunner, but had impressed in his limited opportunities this season. Yet, covering Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is another challenge altogether.
“Never lose belief in yourself,” Pierre said. “Everyday, it’s constant. Like, it’s a job to believe in yourself every day.”
Pierre’s journey is one of inspiration. He came in during the COVID draft class, where less than ten undrafted free agents made the active roster. He was one of those select few, and somehow stuck on the roster throughout his entire rookie contract.