Asante Samuel Jr. just had his first football practice in over a year, but he fully believes he’s ready to play for the Steelers on Sunday. Following offseason spinal fusion surgery to repair a life-long issue, in fact, he believes he’s at another level. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s in football shape, but he’s done what he can to stay ready.
Asked pointedly if he feels ready to play now, Samuel said yesterday, “Yes, sir”, via the Steelers’ website. Still, he admitted he hasn’t been given any concrete plans. “It’s just day by day. I’m trying to maximize every day and do whatever the coaches tell me”, he said.
A former second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Asante Samuel Jr. was a steady player for the Chargers. He recorded two interceptions in each of his first three seasons. An injury later characterized as a stinger in both shoulders, however, limited him to just four games last season. Entering free agency in March, his health status essentially kept him off the market until now. So how has he been preparing himself to be ready to play?
“Just been running a little bit more on the track. I was on the track a lot, getting the wind, making sure I’m doing long-distance running, running up the hills and stuff like that”, Samuel told reporters. “Just making sure I’m in shape. And lifting a little bit heavier than I usually do. Things of that nature”.
That’s still a far cry from putting the pads on and going through drills, let alone games. The last time Samuel wore shoulder pads was on September 29, 2024 when he was injured against the Chiefs. He played every snap in that game, but soon after it became apparent that a problem had arisen.
Samuel explained that he has had an issue his entire life, and has played throughout his career. He made the decision to have the spinal fusion surgery and expects to see great results. “Oh yeah, for sure”, he said. “For sure. I feel great. I feel great. It’s the healthiest I’ve ever been, because I’ve been dealing with it. I got it fixed, so now I feel good”.
Despite his reputation for questionable tackling, though, Asante Samuel denied his issues ever played a role in that aspect of his game. After all, he also has struggled to take the proper angles, which those issues can’t explain away. But there is at least a possibility that this surgery could help him be better, if not feel better, than better. The Steelers could certainly use the help.
Of course, it’s not up to Samuel whether he plays this week or not. And it would be a lot to ask, given the fact that he has been out of football for over a year. At least with Kyle Dugger, he was with the Patriots the whole time, on the field, playing. His only hurdle was learning a new system. For Samuel, it’s about jumping on a moving train from a standing position. And he has about 10 feet to start jogging.
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