Steelers Make Pro Bowl Defender Healthy Scratch For Week 13 Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers sidelined a six-time Pro Bowler for their Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills.

Pittsburgh announced Darius Slay as one of five inactives for Sunday’s home matchup. With no injury designation, the cornerback is a healthy scratch for the crucial AFC tilt.

The Steelers elevated Asante Samuel Jr. off the practice squad to make his team debut. The 26-year-old will play in his first NFL game since Week 4 of the 2024 season.

Meanwhile, James Pierre usurped Slay as a starter last week. The sixth-year Steelers veteran lines up alongside Joey Porter Jr. for his 11th career start on Sunday.

Slay signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Pittsburgh this offseason after winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 2017 All-Pro hasn’t delivered the expected return on investment.

Slay has allowed a 126.7 passer rating in coverage, per Pro Football Focus, and 14.1 yards per reception. He’s missed seven tackles in 10 games and has gone 30 games without a regular-season interception. (He picked off Jordan Love in a Wild Card Round game last postseason.)

The Steelers won’t take any chances on Slay in an important game against the Bills. They began Sunday last in passing defense before opposing reigning MVP quarterback Josh Allen for an opportunity to stay atop the AFC North.

Defensive tackles Derrick Harmon and Logan Lee, wide receiver Scotty Miller and emergency third quarterback Will Howard are also inactive for the Week 13 matchup.

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