When will Asante Samuel Jr. play—if he performs—and what’s going to his function be?
We’re happening a 3rd week now for the reason that Steelers signed veteran CB Asante Samuel Jr. to the apply squad with no motion. Had been it not for main surgical procedure, he would have figured to money in handsomely throughout free company. There’s a motive he had conferences lined up with a great chunk of the league earlier than he signed.
However there was additionally, presumably, no person providing large wads of money. The fact is that everyone needs to see who Asante Samuel Jr. is, not excellent now however sooner or later. Samuel underwent a spinal fusion surgical procedure this offseason, which he mentioned was to handle a lifelong challenge. However an harm solely described as a stinger preceded that and saved him on IR most of final season.
It simply so occurs that the Steelers may really use a quarterback proper now. James Pierre is a participant who was on the roster bubble, and now he’s beginning. Jalen Ramsey is at security, Joey Porter Jr. is ailing, and Darius Slay is previous his prime. Asante Samuel Jr. might be a much-needed inflow of younger expertise, if he pans out.
However we don’t even know if the Steelers even have any clear plan or intention to play him. Whereas he’s solely signed to the apply squad, that’s not atypical for in-season veteran signings as they stand up to hurry. Samuel hasn’t performed soccer in over a 12 months, so two weeks of apply isn’t lots.
As soon as a enough time period passes, although, what do they envision for him? Do the Steelers hope Asante Samuel Jr. is within the beginning lineup by the tip of the season? In principle, he ought to definitely be considered one of their two finest cornerbacks, anyway, however how can they know?
Maybe somebody will ask Mike Tomlin about Samuel at this time. It might appear a great alternative given Porter’s harm, Slay’s function, and Pierre’s fluid standing within the lineup.
After one other disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to strive all of it once more in 2025. Although they limped into the playoffs, they as soon as once more embarrassed themselves therein.
Identical to final 12 months, the most important query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback query. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, however we nonetheless have lots to find out about him. The 2025 NFL Draft class may play an enormous function, however veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey might be paramount.
Now we’re within the common season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some large adjustments. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and determining the way it all works out.
