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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.

Steelers Camp Takeaways: Unheralded CB Stepping Up, No LT for Fautanu

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.

Tre'von Moehrig Lavishes Praise on the One Who Replaced Him in His Absence
Can you believe it? A veteran star of the Carolina Panthers, Tre'von Moehrig, was suspended for a notorious "punch below the belt," but instead of being jealous, he's showering praise on his "replacement"! What's going on with this team? Read now for the "hot off the press" details from Week 13! The Carolina Panthers just caused an earthquake by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, despite missing a slew of key players. Under the "wizardry" of head coach Dave Canales, the team showcased incredible resilience. But the real spotlight belongs to Tre'von Moehrig – the Panthers' top safety, who's sidelined due to a suspension after punching wide receiver Jauan Jennings from the San Francisco 49ers below the belt. Yet, instead of sulking, Moehrig watched from home and... "went wild" over the performance of the rookie who stepped in for him! That's none other than Lathan Ransom, the young gun selected in the 4th round of the draft, who "stole" Moehrig's spot and turned it into his own stage. Ransom not only led the team with 11 tackles but also made his mark with a "top-notch" sack! Moehrig, with his wealth of experience, couldn't hide his excitement: "Man, I was hype (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see it all as the play was happening. I was like, Oh, there you go. I could see it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. Sky's the limit for him." (Translation: "Oh man, I was so hyped (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see everything as the play unfolded. I was like, Oh, there you go. I saw it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. The sky's the limit for him." This "sweet as honey" praise from Moehrig not only affirms Ransom's talent but also raises the question: Is this "replacement" threatening the starting positions of Moehrig and Nick Scott – the current starting safety duo? Panthers fans have been "whispering" about this for a while, after witnessing Ransom shine in summer practices and his flashy cameo appearances. With this impressive performance, Ransom is sure to get more opportunities, especially as the Panthers are "heating up" in the race for the NFC South championship! At 23 years old, Ransom is seen as a "rough diamond" with explosive potential, thanks to the Panthers' sharp personnel strategy. And Moehrig? This guy was signed as a "bargain" from the free agent market, and his leadership and positive attitude have completely transformed the team's defense in just his first season. That influence is spreading strongly to Ransom – the kid who shares many similarities and is gradually "transforming" into a future star. But that's not all – the lesson from Moehrig is accelerating the "youth revolution" at the Panthers! With this public praise, Moehrig isn't just acknowledging Ransom's growth but also igniting ambition for the entire team. Will the Panthers continue to "soar high" with this new generation? Don't miss out – follow now for the next drama in the NFL!