Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush rejoined the Kansas City Chiefs on October 4, signing to their practice squad ahead of Week 5.
Steelers fans may recall that Rush was originally taken from the Chiefs’ practice squad in October 2023. A year later, he returns to Kansas City in the same capacity.
During his time With Pittsburgh, Rush appeared in five regular season games, recording three total tackles and one pass defended. He also contributed as a gunner on punt return coverage, but only played on special teams in 2024.
According to Pro Football Focus, Rush logged 38 defensive snaps in coverage in 2023, earning a cumulative grade of 54.1. He allowed three receptions on four targets, giving up 37 total yards and allowing a passer rating of 103.1.
Though Rush showed promise over the summer, he was released on October 1 after struggling to maintain consistency on defense and special teams.
With Rush’s departure and Cory Trice Jr. lost to injury, the Steelers now have only four cornerbacks on their 53-man roster. However, they still have five safeties and practice squad options like Anthony Averett, Thomas Graham Jr., C.J. Henderson, D’Shawn Jamison, and Ayo Oyelola as candidates for elevation.
Steelers Secondary Depth Remains Uncertain Behind Core Starters
The Steelers’ starting cornerbacks and safeties have solidified their roles early in the season, but the depth behind them remains in flux.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has been on the field for 226 of the Steelers’ 229 defensive snaps, with fellow CB Donte Jackson logging 215 and safety DeShon Elliott recording 194, according to PFF. Undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. has played 143 snaps at slot corner, while star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has yet to miss a snap.
Beyond these core players and third safety Damontae Kazee, head coach Mike Tomlin has struggled to find reliable backups.
Despite holding an open competition for backup roles over the summer, the Steelers opted to bring back familiar contributors like safety Terrell Edmunds and cornerback James Pierre.
However, it’s uncertain how long Edmunds and Pierre will remain, given the early season roster changes.
Steelers Expect Veteran CB Cameron Sutton Back in Week 10
Luckily for the Steelers, their starting secondary has remained mostly healthy, and they hope that continues through Week 10, when they expect a key reinforcement: veteran cornerback Cameron Sutton.
Sutton, suspended for the first eight games of the 2024 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, will be eligible to return in Week 10 following the Steelers’ Week 9 bye. He is slated to play on November 10 against the Washington Commanders.
Sutton’s suspension stems from a March incident in which he was charged with a misdemeanor count of domestic battery. The veteran cornerback, who previously played for the Steelers from 2017 to 2022 before spending last season with Detroit, is expected to reclaim the nickel DB role behind Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson.
His return will likely push Bishop into a backup role, while providing much-needed depth to a heavily utilized starting secondary in 2024.
