Steelers Bolster Secondary with Return of Veteran CB Asante Samuel
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Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary got a much-needed boost with the signing of veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to their practice squad on Wednesday. Samuel, 26, had been recovering from spinal fusion surgery since April and has been doing distance running to get back in shape. The former Los Angeles Chargers corner spent four seasons with the team, collecting six interceptions in 50 games, before being limited to just four games last fall due to recurring 'stinger' injuries. The Steelers hope Samuel can provide a spark to their struggling pass defense, which has allowed the most yards passing in the league this season. Samuel is eager to get back on the field and compete with his new teammates. 'It meant the world to me,' he said. 'Just being out there, putting on a helmet, putting on cleats, going at it, competing with other guys that’s trying to accomplish the same goal as me.' While Samuel won't be available for the Steelers' matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, he's already making progress. He was cleared to return to football activities in October and has been working to get up to speed. The Steelers are thin in the secondary with veteran cornerback Darius Slay in the concussion protocol, but Samuel is confident he can make a quick impact. 'I’m trying to maximize every day and do whatever the coach is telling me,' he said. The Steelers also made some other roster moves on Wednesday, activating rookie quarterback Will Howard from injured reserve and releasing running back Trey Sermon from the active roster.
