Steelers CB Prospect Trains on Scheduled Off Day to Push for Starting Job

Training camp often reveals which players are ready to rise when opportunity knocks, and no position in Pittsburgh has been more competitive than cornerback. With Cory Trice Jr. and Joey Porter Jr. nursing soft-tissue injuries and veteran Darius Slay getting a day off, reps opened up—and a few lesser-known names made the most of them.

James Pierre made a strong statement on Saturday with two interceptions during one-on-one drills, one of which came on a slant route intended for Robert Woods. The veteran WR was clearly frustrated, but the sideline lit up as Jalen Ramsey himself ran over to celebrate with Pierre, signaling just how much the locker room noticed the moment.

Pierre wasn’t the only one flashing. Beanie Bishop Jr., a second-year corner looking to solidify a roster spot, broke up a would-be touchdown pass in the end zone during the team’s Seven Shots period. His timing and positioning on the play were textbook, further elevating his stock.

With rookies like Donte Kent missing from practice and Trice Jr.’s availability in doubt—head coach Mike Tomlin later confirmed the corner would be out for “more than a few days”—the competition has narrowed for the final roster spots. The Steelers usually carry six cornerbacks, and with Ramsey, Slay, Porter, and Brandin Echols considered locks, only two spots remain.

James Pierre, who has long been praised for his special teams value and reliability as a gunner, now appears to be inching closer to a return spot on the 53-man roster. Meanwhile, Bishop’s rise adds a new wrinkle to a crowded cornerback group.

If Trice and Kent remain sidelined, they may have to watch their biggest competitors for roster spots secure a place—by simply staying healthy and showing up when it counts most.