Steelers Lose Breakout Corner James Pierre for Monday Night Showdown vs. Dolphins
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without one of their most surprising contributors when they take the field against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. Cornerback James Pierre confirmed he won’t suit up in Week 15 due to a calf injury suffered last weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.
Pierre, 29, had quietly become a key piece in Pittsburgh’s secondary this season. After spending much of his first five years as a special teams mainstay, Pierre stepped up when injuries hit the cornerback room - and he didn’t just fill in, he made a statement. His steady play on the outside earned him extended snaps and even led to the team parting ways with veteran Darius Slay to keep Pierre in the rotation.
But after missing practice on both Thursday and Friday, Pierre made it official: he won’t be ready to go against Miami.
That opens the door for Asante Samuel Jr. to make his first start in a Steelers uniform. Samuel, who signed midseason after recovering from offseason neck surgery, has seen limited action so far - just 29 defensive snaps over the past two games - but now finds himself in a spotlight role against one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
With Pierre out and the cornerback depth thinned, the Steelers may have to get creative. While the active roster is heavy on outside corners, there’s some positional flexibility in the secondary.
Free safety Jalen Ramsey and slot corner Brandin Echols both have experience playing on the perimeter. The team could also elevate rookie Daryl Porter Jr. from the practice squad to bolster depth.
Injury Report Highlights: Watt Out, Several Starters Questionable
Pierre isn’t the only key player the Steelers will be missing. Star edge rusher T.J.
Watt has been ruled out with a lung injury after missing practice all week. That’s a massive blow to Pittsburgh’s pass rush, especially against a Dolphins offense that thrives on rhythm and timing.
Tight end Darnell Washington (concussion), linebacker Malik Harrison (concussion), and offensive lineman Andrus Peat (concussion) are all listed as questionable after limited or no participation in practice this week. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is also questionable with a knee injury after missing both Thursday and Friday.
On the positive side, several starters are trending in the right direction. Wide receiver DK Metcalf (abdomen), defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (ankle), and linebacker Patrick Queen (glute) are all listed as probable after full or limited practices. Safety Kyle Dugger (hand) and wideout Ben Skowronek (finger) also appear ready to go.
Steelers’ IR List Still Lengthy
Pittsburgh continues to battle a long list of season-ending injuries. Among those on injured reserve are starting tackle Broderick Jones (neck), safety DeShon Elliott (knee), and cornerbacks Donte Kent and Cory Trice. Defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk, tight end Donald Parham, and safety Miles Killebrew are also sidelined for the year.
The attrition has tested the Steelers’ depth across the board, especially in the secondary and along the defensive line. Monday night’s matchup will be another test - not just of talent, but of resilience.
With James Pierre sidelined and T.J. Watt unavailable, Pittsburgh will need its next men up to deliver against a high-powered Dolphins squad. The stakes are high, the lights will be bright, and the Steelers’ margin for error just got a little slimmer.