Steelers' Mike Tomlin Sends Clear Update On Asante Samuel Jr. Ahead Of Week 13

The 2025 season hasn't been the best for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they sit at 6-5. Early on, they had a nice lead in the AFC North and were in the driver’s seat for the division, but once again they have lost control of the AFC North. The injuries have piled up on the defensive side of the football, and that prompted the Steelers to sign Asante Samuel Jr., a free agent cornerback, to their practice squad during the 2025 season.

Samuel has been on the roster for the last two weeks, but he still hasn’t been activated to the gameday roster. With how thin the secondary has become, fans have been waiting to see whether the Steelers would give him a chance to step in and help stabilize the back end of the defense. His athleticism, pedigree, and experience make him one of the more intriguing options currently sitting on the practice squad.

While speaking with the media on Tuesday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin hinted that Samuel’s time may be coming sooner rather than later, but he didn’t verify anything. Tomlin kept things vague, noting that Samuel has been working hard and learning the system, but he wasn’t ready to commit to an elevation just yet. Still, the door is clearly open, and with Pittsburgh fighting to stay alive in the playoff hunt, the team may need every capable body they can get.

"We are always open to our practice squad guys elevating, particularly those with the résumé like Samuel," Tomlin said to a reporter who asked him if Samuel may get a chance in Week 13 against the Bills. "He has only been here a short period of time. He has been working his tail off to not only get in football conditioning, but learn what to do."

Samuel has clearly proven he can play in this league during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers, but injuries derailed his progress. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac highlighted on Monday that the team signed Samuel knowing it would take him several weeks to get up to game speed. 

Tomlin isn’t ready to fully state that Samuel may be called up anytime soon, but he’s clearly thinking about it and is open to the idea.

"It has been a good endeavor so far, but it's too early in the week for me to speculate in that regard," Tomlin said.

The Steelers clearly have their eyes on the playoffs, but staying healthy and getting contributions from every corner of the roster will be key. The defensive injuries have tested the team all season, and adding someone like Samuel gives them another option if things get tighter. Fans have been waiting to see what he can do, and the next few weeks could finally give him that chance.

Steelers May Need A Hero At The Right Moment In Asante Samuel Jr.

Samuel has the talent and experience to make an impact, but it won’t happen overnight. Learning a new system and getting back into football shape takes time, and the Steelers are being patient. That patience could pay off if Samuel is activated for a critical game down the stretch. His addition could be exactly what the secondary needs to stabilize and give the team a boost heading into the final weeks.

At the end of the day, Pittsburgh is trying to put all the pieces together. The team knows every win matters, and keeping options like Samuel ready shows they are thinking ahead. Fans should keep an eye on the practice squad, because this season could hinge on someone stepping up at just the right moment.

Would you like to see the Steelers make the decision to call Asante Samuel Jr. up to the active roster for Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills in Pittsburgh? Why or why not? 

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