The Pittsburgh Steelers have made cornerback Darius Slay a healthy inactive after benching him for cornerback James Pierre last week in Chicago. Now, with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. up off the practice squad, Slay will not play and has fallen down the depth chart.
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.
As for Slay, he was signed to a one-year, $10 million contract by the Steelers this offseason, but has struggled significantly to get going and has been injured. On top of that, Slay has struggled when in the game, and as Pierre has shined, he has started to take over most of the reps.
Slay, meanwhile, has only taken steps back as the season has gone along, leading to his benching by the Steelers. Pittsburgh has made the decision to move on from Slay as a starter, and Samuel’s inclusion places him even farther back than that.