The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely start CB Asante Samuel Jr. on Monday with James Pierre not expected to play due to an injury. It would be Samuel’s first start with the Steelers, and he got a ringing endorsement from DB Jalen Ramsey today. Speaking to the media after practice, Ramsey said that Samuel has been a “great” fit across the board with the Steelers.
“Always on it, very attentive on the field, in meetings, everything like that. Trying to get his groove back, being out there after not playing for a little while. His demeanor, his energy, his mentality is something that we welcome in the DB room. Excited for him to keep growing in his role with our secondary and with our team,” Ramsey said via the team website.
It can be tough for a player to jump on a moving train midseason, and Samuel didn’t see game action with the Steelers until two weeks ago against the Buffalo Bills. But he has plenty of NFL experience from his time with the Los Angeles Chargers, and now he’ll have a big opportunity to help the Steelers on Monday with his first start.
Samuel suffered a season-ending spinal cord injury last season in Week 4, so his return to football has been a long time coming. He seems to be relishing the opportunity and has been doing whatever it takes to help the team and bring the right mindset.
It’s rare a player of Samuel’s caliber is available midseason but given James Pierre’s breakout and Joey Porter Jr.’s play there hasn’t been a clear path to playing time. But with Pierre dealing with a calf injury, Samuel has a legitimate opportunity to make an impact this season and help the Steelers in their playoff pursuit on Monday night against the Dolphins.
It’ll be a good chance for him to prove he’s gotten his “groove back” as Ramsey put it, and it sounds as if it’s a well-deserved opportunity for a player who has done what he needs to do since joining the Steelers. Pierre has been one of the best corners in the league this season, so his loss is a big one, but Samuel can ensure that it’s not felt as much if he can put together a big game against the Dolphins.
