Longtime Steelers Veteran Cornerback Elevated From Practice Squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers are making roster moves to boost their game-day roster as they prepare to take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

Pittsburgh has begun the season 2-0 undefeated, beating the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos. Although they look good to start the season, the Steelers are dealing with injuries across their roster. The most notable one is the loss of rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu. Injuries have caused Pittsburgh to make changes to their roster.

Pittsburgh is elevating veteran cornerback James Pierre from the practice squad ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Chargers, according to Sports Illustrated’s Noah Strackbein.

“The Steelers announced the elevation of cornerback James Pierre and offensive lineman John Leglue to the active/inactive roster from the practice squad,” Strackbein said. “The move allows them to play in the game and then revert back to the practice squad without passing through waivers. Pierre recently signed to the Steelers practice squad with the expectation to eventually make the 53-man team.”

“Pierre spent four years with the Steelers before hitting free agency this spring. The former undrafted free agent played in 66 games, including six starts, and recorded two interceptions. He was both a backup on defense and a proven special teams ace during his time with the team.”

The Steelers are looking for a new gunner after placing Ben Skowronek on the injured reserve, which is Pierre’s specialty. Pierre has spent the entirety of his career with Pittsburgh and should seamlessly slot into the roster as a special teams specialist and defensive backup as the Steelers take on the Chargers in their home opener.

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