The Pittsburgh Steelers will be down one of their top cornerbacks on Monday Night Football, as CB James Pierre told reporters, including The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo, that he doesn’t expect to play against the Miami Dolphins. Pierre has not practiced this week as he deals with a calf injury. That would put CB Asante Samuel Jr. in line to start for the Steelers.

Steelers corner James Pierre, who is dealing with a calf injury, said he does NOT expect to play on Monday.

Asante Samuel Jr., who signed with Pittsburgh a month ago, likely to get his first start as a Steeler.

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 13, 2025

Pierre left the Steelers’ Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills with a concussion, and with Samuel elevated from the practice squad for that game, he played 24 defensive snaps. But Pierre returned in Week 14, limiting Samuel to just one snap.

The Steelers have suffered a plethora of injuries in the secondary this season, and Pierre was initially a backup. But he took advantage of his opportunity and has played like one of the league’s best corners this year. He had an interception last week, and he’s a big loss for the Steelers’ defensive backfield.

But as Pierre took advantage of his opportunity filling in for injuries, Samuel will now have the same chance. He played well after replacing Pierre in Week 13, and now he’ll go into Monday night knowing he’s going to start and play a big role. He could find himself lined up a few times against WR Jaylen Waddle, who has been Miami’s No. 1 receiver and has 57 receptions for 812 yards and six touchdowns this season, including one last week against the New York Jets.

The Steelers may also look to elevate a cornerback off their practice squad, potentially D’Shawn Jamison, as they did earlier this year in their second matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. If they don’t, that will leave the team thin at the position, particularly outside behind Joey Porter Jr. and Samuel. With the game on Monday, the Steelers will have until 4 PM/ET on Monday to make any roster elevations, so it may be a few days until we see who gets called up for the game.

Pierre is undoubtedly a big loss with how well he’s played this season, but Samuel has a big opportunity ahead of him. He’s a proven veteran who had a lot of success with the Los Angeles Chargers before suffering a season-ending injury last year. There are concerns about his tackling, and that could be important with De’Von Achane expected to play for Miami. Regardless, Samuel will look to seize his opportunity and potentially earn more of a role going forward.