Pittsburgh Steelers elevate veteran cornerback to active roster after strong performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers are elevating cornerback James Pierre to the active roster; his agent told Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. Pierre was signed to the team’s practice squad last week and was excellent as a gunner for the Steelers. He forced two fair catches against the Los Angeles Chargers, keeping the Steelers’ net yardage per punt over 50 yards.

Pittsburgh brought him back just to do that, though he did log some snaps at outside cornerback after Cory Trice and Donte Jackson both went down with injuries. The Steelers now have 12 defensive backs on their active roster, including six cornerbacks. Darius Rush was inactive, while Pierre was active to help on special teams.

With Trice hurt and Jackson still banged up with a few ailments, Pierre is not too far from playing as an outside cornerback. Joey Porter Jr. and Jackson have done an excellent job as the starters, and Trice grabbed his first career interception against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Pierre gives the Steelers a veteran presence they can depend on if needed.

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