The Steelers are signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to the practice squad, according to NFL Network.
Samuel, 26, is coming off spinal-fusion surgery, performed by Steelers team neurosurgeon Dr. David Okonkwo. Both Okonkwo and Dr. Nicholas Theodore, another sports physican known for his work in spinal trauma, have reviewed Samuel's most recent medical scans.
This is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Steelers. Their secondary has not performed to the level as expected prior to the start of the season. Samuel comes to Pittsburgh with a good resume, including six interceptions, 37 passes defensed and 176 tackles over four seasons. His 2024 season was cut short to just four games due to the issues that led to needing his surgery.
By adding him to the practice squad, there's no substantial cost and no long-term commitment to Samuel. However, if he comes in and shows in practices that he can still play at a high level, he can eventually be plugged in to a defense that could use a boost of both talent and youth.
THE ASYLUM
Samuel signed to practice squad
The Steelers are signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to the practice squad, according to NFL Network.
Samuel, 26, is coming off spinal-fusion surgery, performed by Steelers team neurosurgeon Dr. David Okonkwo. Both Okonkwo and Dr. Nicholas Theodore, another sports physican known for his work in spinal trauma, have reviewed Samuel's most recent medical scans.
This is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Steelers. Their secondary has not performed to the level as expected prior to the start of the season. Samuel comes to Pittsburgh with a good resume, including six interceptions, 37 passes defensed and 176 tackles over four seasons. His 2024 season was cut short to just four games due to the issues that led to needing his surgery.
By adding him to the practice squad, there's no substantial cost and no long-term commitment to Samuel. However, if he comes in and shows in practices that he can still play at a high level, he can eventually be plugged in to a defense that could use a boost of both talent and youth.
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