Has Cory Trice Jr.’s time run out?
The Steelers have only ever caught glimpses of Cory Trice Jr.’s ability, primarily because he lacked the most valuable: availability. Since coming into the league in 2023, he has missed 37 games due to injury. By my math, that’s a lot, especially when you realize he’s only played in six games.
Trice started the 2025 season on the Reserve/Injured List due to a hamstring injury. After returning to practice, he quickly injured his knee and has not practiced again. The Steelers only have one more practice, tomorrow, before they have to make a decision about activating him to the 53-man roster.
With the signing of Asante Samuel Jr., the need for cornerback depth is somewhat lessened. And Darius Slay will be back, if not this week, then likely next week. Would the Steelers risk putting an injured Cory Trice on the 53-man roster hoping he can eventually play? And if he could play, would they even play him? Where would he fit, beyond serving as depth?
The Steelers were high on Trice coming out of the draft in 2023 because of his talent. But they let him hang around until the seventh round because of his injury risk. Unfortunately, the pre-draft fears about his availability have proven true, and then some, at least so far.
But even though he can still turn things around, teams have to make a decision at some point. Cory Trice is chronically injured, and even if that is just a crazy string of bad luck, who’s to say his luck will change? They’ve been paying him to rehab for the majority of his career.
If the Steelers don’t activate Trice next week, that could be the end of his career. Period, not just with the Steelers. He will have to stay on IR for the rest of the year, and though he is under contract for 2026, his roster spot will be far from secure. And if he doesn’t stick with the Steelers for another year, how many teams are going to care? If they liked his talent but shied away due to his health, they’re sure not going to be any more intrigued now.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
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