Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay is expected to return this week from a concussion, but there was a real question on if he would start moving forward after James Pierre’s standout game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says that despite Pierre’s standout performance and some of Slay’s struggles over the season, Slay will assume the starting cornerback position once again.
It is a curious decision, as Pierre, despite limited snaps, leads the team in passes defensed and has been excellent in his limited opportunities.
“He steps back in and plays,” Tomlin said. “We’re certainly going to continue to play James. He’s deserving of that. But if healthy, Slay is going to play.”
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.
He will be a key factor on special teams moving forward and could be inserted once again if Slay gets injured or struggles, but Tomlin has a lot of respect for Slay, who is a multiple time All-Pro cornerback the Steelers inked this offseason.
Regardless, Slay’s play this season has been inconsistent at best while Pierre is having a career year, making the decision to go fully back to Slay a questionable one.
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