The Pittsburgh Steelers made an intriguing move on Wednesday, as reported by Adam Schefter, by signing former top-10 pick C.J. Henderson to their practice squad. Henderson, who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, adds much-needed depth to the Steelers’ secondary following Cory Trice Jr.'s placement on Injured Reserve.
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CJ Henderson during his time with the Carolina Panthers.
Although Henderson’s career hasn’t lived up to the high expectations so far, he's still young with untapped potential. While he’s starting on the practice squad, he could very well earn a chance to see game action in the near future.
Steelers signed Jacksonville’s 2020 first-round pick C.J. Henderson to their practice squad.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 25, 2024
The Steelers will likely need to call on Henderson at some point this season. Injuries have hit the team hard, leaving their cornerback depth thin. Henderson, a former college star, has shown flashes of talent in the NFL but hasn't yet lived up to the expectations of being a top-10 pick. A stint in Pittsburgh could offer him the chance at a redemption arc.
Kim Klement
CJ Henderson during a home game while playing with the Florida Gators.
Henderson has started 32 games in his career, bringing valuable experience with three interceptions, 16 passes defended, and 172 total tackles. Still in the prime of his career, he’ll be hoping for an opportunity to contribute beyond the practice squad. For now, it’s an exciting addition for Pittsburgh, and Henderson could prove to be a key asset if given the chance.
Steelers Defense Has Been Incredible Through 3 Games
The Steelers' defense has been nothing short of remarkable so far this season. When the year began, many pundits and analysts expected the Steelers' defense to be good, but few anticipated the sheer dominance they’ve displayed. From the start, they’ve showcased an ability to stifle opposing offenses at every level. The secondary has bent at times but hasn’t broken, consistently making crucial stops.
On third downs, Pittsburgh has excelled at forcing offenses off the field, maintaining control of the game. The relentless pass rush has been a nightmare for quarterbacks, and their ability to shut down the run has made it difficult for teams to establish any offensive rhythm.
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Steelers' TJ Watt pumps up the crowd on the road in Atlanta.
This defensive unit is packed with playmakers, and the depth across the board will be pivotal if Pittsburgh hopes to keep this defensive dominance going throughout the long grind of the season.
One player who adds intrigue to the team’s depth is Henderson. Just a few seasons ago, Henderson was viewed as one of the top young cornerbacks in the league, but injuries and inconsistency caused his career to stall.
Despite battling adversity early on, he now finds himself on the Steelers' practice squad, waiting for an opportunity to reignite his career. If given a chance, Henderson could be a valuable asset to Pittsburgh’s already potent defense, and a change of scenery in the Steel City may be just what he needs to regain his momentum and reach his potential.
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