When the Pittsburgh Steelers took the practice field for the first time of training camp, they did so without Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey. The two most vital pieces of the Steelers’ secondary were placed on the PUP list ahead of the team’s first practice – Ramsey dealing with a knee injury while Porter was said to be nursing a bad back.
As we head into Saturday’s night practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, neither Porter nor Ramsey have taken the field, leaving Pittsburgh in need of someone to step
up.
Asante Samuel Jr. has done just that.
Through the first week and change of training camp practices, you could make a real and compelling argument that Samuel has been the best player on the field. He has consistently made terrific plays on the ball during team period, totaling several passes broken up at all levels, including a one-on-one ball while matched up with DK Metcalf on a deep pass from Aaron Rodgers.
On Thursday, I asked head coach Mike McCarthy about Samuel and how impressed he’s been with him throughout this process.
“[He’s made a] huge first impression with me,” McCarthy said. “Starting back in the spring… great energy all the way through the offseason program. I love his ball skills, his instincts, and his awareness. I think he’s had a great offseason [and] I think he’s having a better training camp.”
With Ramsey not on the field, Pittsburgh has also had to toy with several defenders moving around in a version of their STAR role – one that Ramsey utilized in Los Angeles when he helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI. During the offseason, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said that Ramsey would play that STAR role in his defense. With the All-Pro cornerback off the field, that has allowed the Steelers to explore Samuel’s versatility. I asked McCarthy if he views Samuel as someone they can utilize both on the outside and at nickel, to which he answered with a resounding yes.
“I think he’s definitely a position flexible player, clearly,” McCarthy said.
The Steelers had Samuel fall into their laps as a free agent last season due to him undergoing spinal fusion surgery in April. The surgery was performed by David Okonkwo, who is the neurosurgeon for the Steelers. Once he was cleared in early November, the Steelers were quick to sign the former second-round pick who didn’t waste time showing that he was still a valuable asset.
In Pittsburgh’s Week 15 contest against the Miami Dolphins, Samuel picked off Tua Tagovailoa to end Miami’s second drive, which kickstarted a Steelers’ rout of the Dolphins. While Miami scored late to make the final score more respectable, the Steelers held a 28-3 lead midway through the fourth quarter. They would go on to win 28-15.
Now having a full offseason and new eyes on him, Samuel looks poised on building on a solid foundation that was laid in the final weeks of the 2025 season, but not just in a supporting role. No. 22 is single-handedly forcing himself into being a major player for Pittsburgh in 2026.
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