The Pittsburgh Steelers have released an updated depth chart ahead of their Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears.
Steelers-Depth-Chart-Week-12
There aren’t many changes on this chart, which is most notable at one position. Darius Slay remains the starting outside corner opposite Joey Porter Jr. On one hand, I understand this because he’s being paid $10 million and is a former All-Pro who was brought in as an intended starter. But there’s no question that James Pierre deserves more snaps than Slay based on performance.
Tomlin said that Slay would certainly play if healthy, but he acknowledged Pierre deserves snaps. Before we get all up in arms, consider that it’s pretty easy to list Slay as a starter, and even announce him as such on Sunday, while still having Pierre play at least a 50-50 split with him. The Steelers have barely moved the depth chart all season until they announced the new safety tandem of Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger.
The only roster shuffling that has taken place since last week’s depth chart is Will Howard being activated from IR. He slides in as the third quarterback, which may be consequential this week as Aaron Rodgers works his way through a fractured left wrist. He will receive increased practice reps as a result, while the game plan is centered on Mason Rudolph for the time being. Trey Sermon was released from the roster and later signed back to the practice squad to make room for Howard.
There is potential for some additional roster moves this week with WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling and CB Asante Samuel Jr. currently on the practice squad. It’s possible that the team could opt to promote them to the active roster, but they could also keep them where they are and elevate them on Saturday to later revert to the practice squad.
Recommended for you