The Pittsburgh Steelers are still feeling the effects of their big win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Several key contributors are dealing with injuries that could limit them on Monday Night Football this week against the Dolphins, including but not limited to Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Darnell Washington, and Calvin Austin III.
That doesn't even include the strange situation that led to star edge rusher T.J. Watt being sidelined for Week 15 as well. Fans were hoping that would be the final surprise of the week, but now another starter has been ruled out for MNF.
James Pierre has burst onto the scene in his sixth NFL season, taking hold of the outside cornerback spot opposite of Joey Porter Jr. You could make a strong argument that he has even outplayed Porter Jr. this season. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, he won't be available against Miami thanks to a lingering calf injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers keep taking hits to their MNF chances with James Pierre now out
If you had told Steelers fans before the season that an injury to Pierre would be a massive loss, they would probably look at you like you had three heads. The undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic hasn't played a prominent role on defense for Pittsburgh since 2021, and he was just passable at best that season.
Pierre even missed the initial 53-man roster and had to start on the practice squad this season. He didn't make an appearance until Week 3 and didn't get his first start until Week 11. Despite that, he has been far and away the best option across from Porter Jr., even when Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey were still getting snaps on the boundary.
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With Slay now off the team and Ramsey a full time safety, Pierre's calf injury presents a serious concern. Brandin Echols has been great in the slot, so it would be wise to keep him there. That puts mid-season pickup Asante Samuel Jr. in the spotlight, who has only played 29 total snaps since joining the Steelers.
Samuel Jr. has plenty of experience as a starter from his time with the Chargers, but it would be hard for him to play as well as Pierre has this season.
As crazy as it may sound, there are few players on the team that have been more valuable over the past month than Pierre has been. Hopefully, his calf injury isn't serious enough to keep him out beyond Monday night.