The Pittsburgh Steelers have been tested throughout the 2024 season when it comes to injuries. Alex Highsmith already missed significant time due to a groin injury, and now he is expected to miss at least two more games with an ankle sprain. Where the injury bug has hit the most has been Pittsburgh's rookie class. First-round pick Troy Fautanu started just one game before suffering a knee injury that will force him to miss at least the rest of the regular season, and Roman Wilson sprained his ankle during training camp and then was placed on Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury.
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Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith attempts to bring down former Ravens running back Gus Edwards in a heated rivalry matchup.
One injury that has seriously affected the Steelers, but hasn't really been talked about much, was to Cory Trice Jr. The second-year player has only appeared in three games for Pittsburgh, but he hasn't played since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had been having a good season up until his injury, as he hauled in a crucial interception during Pittsburgh's Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos. Thankfully for the Steelers, they opened up Trice's 21-day practice window on Thursday.
Steelers open the 21-day window for cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) to return to practice and eventually the 53-man roster. The train's moving fast but he'll try to jump on it as a second-year guy at a position where the depth is being tested. Hasn't played since Week 3.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) November 14, 2024
Trice was placed on Injured Reserve after going down with the hamstring injury, so the organization now has 21-days to get him up to speed and activate him to the active roster. He could play as early as Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin likely won't allow that without Trice getting a full week of practice under his belt.
Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cory Trice Jr. picks off Bo Nix in a win over the Denver Broncos in 2024.
Pittsburgh fans were sad to see Trice go down in Week 3. The second-year player missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn ACL during training camp ahead of the 2023 season. He didn't even get to participate in a preseason game before going down on the practice field. Injuries have been an issue for Trice throughout his football career. It is the entire reason he fell to the seventh-round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hopefully once Trice returns, he can remain fully healthy for the remainder of the season. He proved to be an asset for Pittsburgh's defense, as he was effective in coverage and in coming up and making plays in the running game. He likely won't be back against the Ravens, but there is a good chance he will be able to return before the Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 12.
Steelers Desperately Need Cory Trice Jr. To Return From Injury
Trice was a factor for Pittsburgh early on in the season, and he has been missed since going down in Week 3. The Steelers desperately need him back for quality depth, and for some personnel packages. Trice was the dime back before missing extensive time, meaning he was the sixth defensive back on the field in obvious passing situations. The Steelers have had Terrell Edmunds and Cam Sutton filling in for him since, but Pittsburgh more so needs him back for depth at outside corner.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cory Trice Jr. ahead of a preseason matchup with the Houston Texans in 2024.
Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson are both serviceable cornerbacks, but Jackson has been dealing with injuries throughout the entire season. He has been fighting a shoulder injury which has caused him to exit a few games, and he suffered a hamstring injury against the Washington Commanders. He is expected to be able to play in Week 11, but with how often he exits games for injuries, it would be great to have Trice back in the fold.
Are you excited to see Trice back healthy? Let us know in the comments below!
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