Free Agent CB Asante Samuel Jr. Cleared To Play After Injury, Could He Be Option For Steelers?
Free agent CB Asante Samuel Jr., who spent the principle four seasons of his profession with the Los Angeles Chargers, has been cleared to play after struggling a spinal injury final season, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Per Fowler, Samuel underwent spinal fusion surgical procedure in April. Dr. David Okonkwo, the Steelers’ crew neurosurgeon, performed the surgical procedure. Okonkwo also reviewed Samuel’s contemporary medical records. With their crew doctor’s heavy involvement in Samuel’s medical process, it’s doubtless that the Steelers can be a crew to glance for Samuel if he’s taking a test to play this season.
Pittsburgh’s cornerback plan regarded like a power entering the season. However CB Darius Abolish has underperformed, and the crew moved Jalen Ramsey to security for his or her Week 9 sport in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh’s defense achieve collectively regarded as one of its most entire performances with Ramsey at security, and there’s a likelihood the crew could perhaps perhaps also withhold him there, opening up a need at cornerback.
The NFL substitute cleave-off date is the next day to come to come, and the Steelers could perhaps perhaps also pursue cornerback aid via substitute. Within the event that they aren’t in a field to invent a cornerback, they’ll also test to free agency, and Samuel is an fascinating name.
In four seasons, Samuel has 176 tackles and 6 interceptions in his profession. He can play the nickel, a shorthanded plan if the Steelers withhold Ramsey at security. CB Brandin Echols modified into the crew’s most well-known slot corner in Week 9 in opposition to the Colts, but with Samuel wholesome, the Steelers could perhaps perhaps also rob into consideration bringing him into the combo.
A switch in all probability wouldn’t be drawing end, and even when Samuel indicators with a crew, it’ll in all probability rob a pair of weeks sooner than he’s in soccer form and ready to make contributions. However the Steelers’ defense played successfully in Week 9, and adding one more cornerback, namely one with slot capabilities, is something the crew could perhaps perhaps also hit upon. Samuel clearly wouldn’t require the crew to present up any sources because it could perhaps perhaps if it tried to interchange for a cornerback. Reckoning on what the crew does sooner than the cleave-off date, he’s an fascinating name to glance for a doubtless addition.
Provided that the crew’s medical group has played a job in his recovery and rehab process and their need at cornerback, Samuel appears to be like to be like to be a potentially sensible and viable option for the Steelers in the 2nd half of of the season.
