A Potential Surprise Steelers Cut Candidate Is Emerging Ahead Of 3rd And Final Preseason Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning on having the starting units on both sides of the ball play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Head Coach, Mike Tomlin. It'll be interesting to see how long the first team remains on the field for, as risking injury has to be something in the back of Tomlin's mind. Regardless, fans will get to see a starting offense that has been rather impressive throughout the first two exhibition matchups. Kenny Pickett has had the chance to lead on three possessions and all of them ended with Pittsburgh finding the end zone.

The defense has also looked solid with improvements being seen at linebacker and the emergence of rookie, Nick Herbig. A big question entering training camp was which players were going to compete at the slot corner position. Elijah Riley and Chandon Sullivan both performed exceptionally in the second week of the preseason against the Buffalo Bills and are making the decision tough for the coaching staff.

It's quite possible that the coaching staff ends up keeping both of them around. The two could make the 53-man roster to provide depth at an area that was once a big question mark. The biggest issue comes with that important number: only 53 guys can make the final cutdown. If Riley and Sullivan are able to perform well enough in Atlanta, someone who has played poorly could be surprisingly cut.

It's going to depend on what the Steelers value, but fourth-year cornerback, James Pierre could potentially feel like his seat is warm all of a sudden. Pierre did not play well in the first exhibition matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he wasn't overly impressive against the Bills, either. He once seemed like a lock to make the final cut, but a bad showing versus the Falcons might put him in danger of looking for a new home.

The Steelers Coaching Staff Might Have An Interesting Decision To Make At Cornerback

Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace and Joey Porter Jr. are all locks to be on the 53-man roster. If Sullivan and Riley prove their worth once again, there could only be one spot left to have in the entire secondary. It might come down to Pierre, Tre Norwood and Madre Harper. While Pierre would be considered the favorite to make the team, nothing is guaranteed, especially if the corner is inconsistent on Thursday. 

Pierre has been healthy throughout his career, playing in 50 total games during a three-year span. He provides depth and experience, but only has started six games since 2020. It's clear that 2023 could end up being his final year with the Steelers after he was welcomed back during the offseason with a one-year contract. If there seems to be more value in holding onto Norwood or Harper, Pierre could be on his way out earlier than expected. Norwood isn't a true corner, but has a lot of versatility and that might make him more valuable.

If the decision was made immediately after the Bills contest, Pierre would more than likely remain on the team, but the final preseason matchup could see things switch around. Defensive Coordinator, Teryl Austin did acknowledge recently that the team is going to have to move on from a player who can play at the NFL level. It's probable this occurs on the defensive line, but an interesting preseason at the cornerback position may be what he was referring to.

Pierre would really be sweating this out if rookie cornerback, Cory Trice Jr. did not suffer a season-ending injury at the beginning of training camp. As it stands right now, Pierre is still on track to make the team, but more surprising cuts have happened in the past and the play of Sullivan and Riley may lead to Pierre's name being brought up behind closed doors as the staff looks to cut down to 53 players.

Do you think the Steelers could choose to cut Pierre? Let us know in the comments below!

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