Steelers' Mike Tomlin Reveals Critical Cornerback Nearing Return From Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted cornerback Cory Trice Jr. in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Trice had a productive career at Purdue but fell to the Steelers at pick 241 because of injury concerns. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Trice has impressed the Steelers’ coaching staff with his size, athleticism, and physical style of play. The issue, however, has been his inability to stay healthy. When Trice has gotten opportunities to showcase his talent, injuries have repeatedly derailed his progress, keeping him from gaining valuable experience on the field.

Trice has spent a significant amount of time on injured reserve since joining the team, a frustrating pattern for both him and the organization. The Steelers had high hopes that Trice could develop into a reliable depth piece in the secondary, especially given his potential to match up against bigger receivers on the outside. Unfortunately, his setbacks have slowed his growth and left Pittsburgh waiting for him to fully recover and return to the field. 

His physical tools and flashes of promise have made it clear why the Steelers have remained patient, believing he can still make an impact once he’s healthy. On Tuesday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked whether Trice was getting close to a return. His response was short, but telling, saying the young cornerback is getting there. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo shared more insight into what Tomlin said about Trice getting close to return.

"There might be some reinforcements on the way for the secondary, as well," Fittipaldo said. "Tomlin said cornerback Cory Trice Jr., who has been on injured reserve with a hamstring injury since the season started, is close to returning to practice. Once Trice does, the Steelers have a 21-day window to evaluate him and determine whether he’ll return to the 53-man roster this season."

That brief update suggests Trice is trending in the right direction, though the team appears cautious about rushing him back too soon. The Steelers know what Trice is capable of when he’s available, and they’ll hope his next return can finally mark the beginning of a stretch of consistent health and meaningful contributions to Pittsburgh’s defense.

The Steelers made major moves in the 2025 offseason to strengthen their secondary, trading for star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and signing veteran Darius Slay. With Joey Porter Jr. entering his critical third season, Pittsburgh’s focus has been on adding experience, leadership, and depth to the defensive backfield. 

Steelers' Brass Still Has Faith In Cory Trice Jr.

Every piece of the secondary matters for a team aiming to compete in the AFC. Trice is not projected as a starter, but he remains an important rotational depth piece the Steelers still believe in. It is rare for a seventh-round pick to receive this much patience and opportunity, which shows how much the coaching staff values his potential. Trice’s physical tools and flashes of strong play have earned him continued trust within the organization. 

If Trice can stay healthy, he has the ability to carve out a steady role in the rotation and contribute to one of the most experienced secondaries in the league. Injuries have slowed his progress, but Tomlin recently hinted that Trice could be returning sooner rather than later, a welcome sign for a defense that values both talent and depth at cornerback. Steelers fans will continue to watch and wait as they hope to see Trice available soon.

When do you expect to see Cory Trice Jr. return to the active roster and be healthy? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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