Steelers Rookie Beanie Bishop Jr.'s Status Still Unclear As Pressure Heightens

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have a knack for finding diamonds in the rough when it comes to signing undrafted free agents. During training camp ahead of the 2024 season, it seemed as though they had another in Beanie Bishop Jr. The rookie cornerback was put in the perfect situation. The Steelers didn't have a clear slot corner after the suspension of Cam Sutton, and Bishop happened to be an All-American at the position during his time at West Virginia.

Bishop seemed to fend off everyone else that was competing for the starting slot corner spot, and is still listed as the starter on Pittsburgh's most recent depth chart. Unfortunately for Bishop, he suffered a setback during the last week of training camp ahead of Pittsburgh's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Head Coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that Bishop suffered a minor injury, and the team chose to hold him out of the game. Bishop gave an update on his health on Wednesday.

It's unclear what the injury to Bishop was. All Tomlin said during his postgame press conference was that the injury occurred on the day of the joint practice with Buffalo, and it caused Bishop to be limited. The injury is considered minor, and there is a chance Bishop can still play in the Steelers' last preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday. His roster spot is likely locked up, but his starting job is certainly in question.

While Bishop is still listed as a starter on the official depth chart, no undrafted rookie free agent should ever feel comfortable during their first preseason. Tomlin made a point of reminding Bishop of that during his press conference, stating that the upcoming week would be extremely important for the rookie. Time is running out, and it is important for Bishop to return to full health and solidify his spot in the starting lineup. 

At a certain point in camp, it seemed as if there was no way that Bishop would not win the starting job at slot corner, but his chances have certainly dwindled since suffering his injury. Pittsburgh's Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke to the media on Tuesday, and addressed the competition at the position. He shared that it is a relatively easy spot to win at the moment due to the injuries there. Essentially stating that whoever is healthy will most likely be the starter.

Pittsburgh brought back Sutton over the offseason to fill that position, and the organization understood that he would likely be suspended by the league. The eight-game suspension he received was probably more than expected, but Bishop seemed more than capable to play the role in the meantime. Now, with him impeded with an injury, it isn't out of the realm of possibilities that fans will see Thomas Graham Jr. starting against the Atlanta Falcons.

Steelers Could Still Bring In An External Option For Slot Cornerback

There is a good chance the organization could look for help if they are not comfortable with the progression of Bishop, or starting Graham. A prime candidate to fill the role for the Steelers would be Patrick Peterson, who was on the roster in 2023. He is familiar with the schemes and the playbook, and even played in the slot occasionally in 2023. 

Pittsburgh could probably get Peterson to sign for cheap, as the main reason he was released initially was because of his contract. There are other options available on the open market that could be more expensive - including Adoree' Jackson and Xavien Howard. It is more likely the Steelers move forward with their current roster. However, if Bishop can't return to full health and prove even more that he should be the starter, some other moves could be made.

What do you think about Bishop's injury? Can the Steelers rely on him to start Week 1? Let us know in the comments below!

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