New Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback C.J. Henderson expressed his excitement to the media about making his debut with the team.
The Steelers have not had a deep cornerback rotation this season. In Week 7 against the New York Jets, they dressed only four cornerbacks. However, that could change on October 28 with the addition of Henderson to the active roster.
The Steelers promoted Henderson from their practice squad to the 53-man roster on October 22.
While his exact role for the game is still uncertain, the 26-year-old cornerback made it clear he is ready to take on any assignment from the coaching staff.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Henderson told reporters, per Chris Adamski of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “Whatever they need me to do, I’m ready and will give it my best.”
Originally selected ninth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Henderson has appeared in 49 NFL games with the Jaguars and Carolina Panthers.
He spent the 2024 training camp and preseason with the Houston Texans, and the Steelers signed him to their practice squad on September 25.
C.J. Henderson Sticking to His Routine Ahead of Steelers Debut
The Jaguars drafted Henderson with the intention of replacing Jalen Ramsey at outside cornerback, but he didn’t meet those high expectations.
After playing only 10 games with Jacksonville, Henderson was traded to the Panthers.
In his first four NFL seasons, Henderson started 32 of his 49 appearances, primarily as an outside cornerback.
His experience, however, extends beyond just one position. Henderson has also played in the slot, at safety, and on special teams, which could allow the Steelers to use him in various roles against the New York Giants in Week 8.
Despite this versatility, Henderson’s preparation hasn’t changed. He’s been getting ready for weeks on the Steelers’ practice squad to play any role necessary.
“I feel the same as I have been,” Henderson said, via Adamski. “They’ve been working on getting me involved no matter what. I’m just excited for the chance.”
Steelers Cornerback Depth Ahead of Week 8
Pittsburgh’s starting cornerback Donte Jackson left Week 7 with a shoulder injury, leaving the Steelers with only three cornerbacks—Joey Porter Jr., Beanie Bishop Jr., and James Pierre—for the remainder of the game.
On paper, the addition of another cornerback to the active roster makes sense. However, Jackson is expected to play against the Giants.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called Jackson’s shoulder injury “minor” in his October 22 press conference and stated he expects Jackson to be available for Week 8.
This could limit defensive snaps for Henderson in his debut, but his versatility, particularly on special teams, may still prove valuable.
In the past two seasons with the Panthers, Henderson played at least 55 special teams snaps while contributing more than 400 snaps on defense.
During 10 games with the Panthers in 2021, Henderson also logged 38 special teams snaps, making him a potential asset for the Steelers on punt and kickoff coverage against the Giants.
In his 49 career NFL games, Henderson has recorded 172 total tackles, including six for a loss. He also has 16 pass deflections and three interceptions.
