Bad news struck the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday during their first padded practice of the season. Promising rookie cornerback, Cory Trice Jr. suffered what appeared to be a right leg injury. Trice immediately went down on what was the last play of the Steelers team session of practice.
Alan Saunders (Twitter ASaunders_PGH)
Steelers rookie Cory Trice injured during training camp practice on Aug 1.
Trainers quickly ran over to assist Trice who was visibly in a lot of pain. After being checked out, Trice was carted off the field as he held his head in his hands. During Trice's junior year of college, he tore his ACL and had his season cut short. He was able to start six games in 2022 after coming off the injury.
The injury comes as a big blow to the Steelers secondary that is painfully thin at cornerback. Even though Trice was a seventh-round draft pick, it was believed he had a clear path to the 53-man roster. His size and skill set are very similar to second-round pick, Joey Porter Jr and many believed Trice could be able to find playing time as early as Week 1 for the Steelers Defense.
Right before Trice went down with an injury, another Steelers cornerback was briefly down with an injury.
#34 Sullivan hurt moment of silent in stadium. Alot folks thought it was #24. #Steelers @steelers #nfl #herewego #steelernation #steelerscamp pic.twitter.com/DFBENlScBu
— T R (@TimotRice) August 1, 2023
Chandon Sullivan was signed as a free agent to compete for the slot corner position. He's on the roster bubble and an injury certainly wouldn't of helped his cause. But, he was able to get back up to his feet and it doesn't appear to be serious.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers Cory Trice
Pro Football Focus named Trice as their 2023 rookie with the most to gain in the Steelers locker room in their discussion on AFC newbies. After giving the Steelers serious 'atta' boys for the draft that General Manager, Omar Khan engineered, they name Trice as their rookie to watch, saying he has the most to gain.
Steelers Trice Best Value Draft Pick
The Steelers drafted the perfect blend of value, positional need, and overall talent with their 2023 selections. CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt weighed in on the Steelers draft and the selection of Trice.
"I think he has a future as a SAM, strong safety, or one of those box defenders that is a corner, but plays like a linebacker. He's got some positional flexibility in my opinion. I thought that was a really good, savvy pick by Pittsburgh," Hunt said on the College Draft Podcast with host Ross Tucker.
Hopefully the injury for Trice was more scary than serious for the rookie. Keep a prayer up for the young fella and lets hope for the best. We will be back with an injury update after practice once Mike Tomlin speaks to the media.
