The Steelers have already made one move that points to uncertainty at cornerback heading into their Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
Pittsburgh announced that defensive back Doneiko Slaughter is being elevated from the practice squad for the season opener at Acrisure Stadium. That promotion does not lock him into the active lineup, but it does give the Steelers a layer of protection if Joey Porter Jr. is unable to play.
Porter Jr. was listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report after being limited in practice all week because of a back injury. The issue traces back to the PUP list at the start of training camp in late July. With his contract situation still unresolved and kickoff less than 24 hours away, the situation leaves both sides in a tricky spot.
Even beyond the contract angle, Porter Jr. does not appear fully ready at the moment. That leaves open the possibility that he either sits out or takes on a reduced role against Atlanta.
If Porter Jr. cannot go, the Steelers would likely turn to Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr. as the outside corner starters, with Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols handling the primary slot work. Daylen Everette and Slaughter would be next up behind them.
Slaughter has not yet appeared in a regular-season game, but he did get extensive work during the preseason. Pittsburgh eventually waived him at final roster cuts before bringing him back on the practice squad after he cleared waivers.
Pro Football Focus tracked Slaughter for 122 snaps in the preseason, including 104 on defense. He played 68 snaps outside and 29 in the slot, which gives him some positional flexibility if the Steelers need him against Atlanta.
In coverage, he was targeted 10 times and gave up 76 yards while also notching a pass breakup.
The 24-year-old started his college career at Tennessee before finishing at Arkansas. He previously signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent last year, but he was cut at final roster reductions.
Even with the elevation, Slaughter is not a lock to see defensive snaps. If Porter Jr. ends up active, Slaughter could be the one left out. If he does make his regular-season debut, his role would likely include a few reps at corner and work on special teams.
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