The Pittsburgh Steelers placed offensive tackle Broderick Jones on injured reserve due to a neck injury, ensuring he misses at least the next four games. The team elevated cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Veteran Andrus Peat is expected to start in Jones' place.
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced roster moves on Saturday ahead of their Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills. Offensive tackle Broderick Jones was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury sustained late in the Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears, where he was awkwardly pulled down by a Bears defender. Initially described as a stinger, head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed it as a more serious neck issue during his Tuesday press conference, ruling Jones out for the Bills game and at least the next month. His earliest possible return is Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, pending designation to return.
To fill the gap, the Steelers will start veteran Andrus Peat at right tackle. Signed during training camp, Peat has appeared in one game this season, logging eight snaps at left guard. If Peat performs well, he could retain the starting role until Jones' potential return.
In a corresponding move, the team elevated cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to the active/inactive roster. Samuel, signed by Pittsburgh on November 11, is set to make his Steelers debut. The 2021 second-round pick out of Florida State spent his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, recording 37 passes defensed and six interceptions in 50 games with 47 starts. He last played in Week 4 of the 2024 season before undergoing spinal fusion surgery performed by a Steelers team doctor. Cleared to play, Samuel chose Pittsburgh and will wear No. 22, the same number as his father, former NFL All-Pro Asante Samuel.
Samuel provides depth at cornerback, joining returnees like Darius Slay from a concussion and strong performers James Pierre and Joey Porter Jr. His role remains unclear but could include covering Bills tight ends Dalton Kincaid or Dawson Knox, depending on Kincaid's questionable injury status. With Samuel's elevation temporary, the Steelers have an open spot on their 53-man roster.