Steelers' Asante Samuel Jr Detailed Exactly What Ignited His Return To The NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered training camp with unfortunate news as star cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. were placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Two major contributors to this defense are going to be behind with injuries, allowing the younger core to take critical reps early on. Porter's designation seemingly isn't as significant as he was expected to sit out anyways. He continues to wait for his potential new contract.

While there shouldn’t be much to worry about with these two because they eventually will be healthy and playing a big role on the defense, it's a good time to look into the backups that are starting to break out early. One player that impressed in 2025 and is back this season is Asante Samuel Jr., the young cornerback that suffered the same surgery as Broderick Jones, sidelining him for an extended period of time. This resulted in the Los Angeles Chargers previously cutting ties with him. That allowed the Steelers to pick him up and since then, it has turned out to be a pretty strong addition.

Now at full strength, Samuel is looking to be a force in Pittsburgh this season and with some early injuries to other teammates, he should get a big opportunity. That period of missing football was very difficult for him and getting back on the field meant a lot when he joined the Steelers. He talked about his road back to games and what that process was like to reporters. Insider Mike DeFabo put out a strong quote from Samuel about this critical part of his career. 

"I was missing it," Samuel said. "I love football. I think about football all day, every day. It hurt me not to be out there at training camp and missing a lot of games like that. I feel like that built the fire in me when I came back last year, just trying to make the most out of the opportunities."

No injury is ever easy for a player, especially when it results in a surgery and an extended period off the field. It sometimes creates negative thoughts and is a major obstacle to get through. Some players are never the same following these career altering moments and fortunately, Samuel was able to work through it. Now he is able to reflect on this moment and how it built the fire in him to become a strong defensive back for this defense.

Looking deeper into the depth chart, if Ramsey fulfills that nickel role on the defense or stays back at safety, Samuel could be a strong slot cornerback for this team. It seems like when fully healthy, Porter and newly signed Jamel Dean will be the main guys on the outside. That leaves it up for a battle between Samuel and rookie cornerback Daylen Everette for extra snaps on the field. Samuel is a smaller guy, and Everette is as quick for a bigger player. It will be an interesting battle throughout camp for that final spot in the cornerback room, but if Porter and Ramsey aren't fully good to go, both Samuel and Everette could be ready on the outside.

Samuel has made some big plays early in camp and looks to be fully healthy. Having him producing at the level he was before surgery will be huge for this Pittsburgh defense. This unit is getting up there in age and the stars of the unit may not have many more years left in the league. The Steelers are absolutely in win now mode with retirement looming for a handful of players.

Steelers' Need Asante Samuel Jr. To Return To Pre-Surgery Self For 2026

The Steelers are going for their first playoff victory in nearly a decade and having a strong secondary would help them accomplish that. Porter and Ramsey are both excellent players, but these injuries are exposing Pittsburgh's much needed depth. Samuel has a fire built up inside of him following this surgery and he looks great in the early stages of camp.

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