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Steelers Sign Asante Samuel Jr. to Practice Squad After Spinal-Fusion Clearance

The move addresses Pittsburgh’s depleted secondary following his clearance to return from April spinal-fusion surgery.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets reported the former Chargers cornerback has joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad after the team sought immediate depth help.
  • Samuel, 26, received medical clearance last week to resume football activities following a 2024 neck injury and April spinal-fusion surgery.
  • He visited the Panthers, Packers, Vikings, Bears and Steelers and worked out for the 49ers before opting for Pittsburgh.
  • The Steelers’ cornerback group has been stretched with Darius Slay in concussion protocol and Jalen Ramsey shifted to free safety, leaving limited healthy options.
  • Team neurosurgeon Dr. David Okonkwo performed Samuel’s surgery, and Samuel enters with 50 career games, 176 tackles, 37 passes defensed and six interceptions.