The Pittsburgh Steelers have made another move to adjust their roster as they announced cornerback C.J. Henderson will be placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury sustained during the week. This marks the latest twist for the former top-ten pick, who has yet to see the field in a regular-season game for the Steelers after being signed to their active roster earlier this season.
Henderson’s Struggles Continue
The 24-year-old Henderson, once regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft, has battled inconsistency throughout his career. After being drafted 9th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Henderson’s career trajectory hasn’t quite met the lofty expectations many had for him. Despite flashes of talent, his time with the Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, and Houston Texans was marred by injuries and uneven performance, and he never managed to secure a full-time starting job.
Pittsburgh signed Henderson to their practice squad earlier this season, and despite interest from several teams trying to sign him, the Steelers ultimately promoted him to their active roster. However, he’s yet to make a meaningful impact in a game. Now, with Henderson sidelined by the neck injury, the Steelers will need to find other options to help stabilize their secondary.
The exact timing of Henderson’s injury remains unclear, but it’s a tough blow for a player already fighting for a place in the league. His neck injury follows a full practice session on Wednesday, suggesting the injury may have occurred during a routine practice or potentially as a result of wear-and-tear throughout the week. For now, he will be placed on IR and miss at least the next four weeks.
Stepping Up in Henderson’s Absence
With Henderson sidelined, the Steelers are left with a thin cornerback room. Behind him, D’Shawn Jamison, a rookie from Texas, is the only other cornerback on the active roster. Jamison, who has yet to make an impact in his first season, will likely be pressed into action as the Steelers navigate their depth issues in the secondary. Additionally, the team’s other cornerback depth piece, Zyon Gilbert, has also been dealing with an injury and is currently on the shelf, further complicating matters.
The Steelers’ situation at cornerback has been further exacerbated by the ongoing injury to second-year corner Cory Trice, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for the past seven games. Trice, who was expected to compete for a key role in Pittsburgh’s defense this season, has not seen the field since Week 3 but is expected to return for the Steelers’ upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns. His return would provide some much-needed reinforcements in the secondary, though it’s still unclear how quickly he will be able to regain his form.
A Season of Missed Opportunities for Henderson
For Henderson, this season has been another step in a career filled with unfulfilled potential. The cornerback was once viewed as one of the most talented defensive prospects in his draft class, but inconsistencies have kept him from reaching his potential. While he has experience in the league and possesses the physical tools to be a playmaker, his lack of sustained success with the Jaguars, Panthers, and Texans has raised doubts about his future in the NFL.
It’s clear the Steelers still believe in Henderson’s raw talent, which is why they were willing to elevate him to the active roster. However, with injuries continuing to limit his availability, Henderson will have to fight even harder to prove he deserves a permanent spot on Pittsburgh’s defense moving forward.
Steelers Secondary Faces Critical Challenges
Pittsburgh’s defense, traditionally one of the strongest units in the NFL, now faces a difficult challenge with multiple key pieces sidelined. Without Henderson and with Trice still recovering, the Steelers will need veterans like Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace to anchor the cornerback group, while Jamison and others step up in key moments. The team’s defensive coaching staff will also have to get creative with matchups, especially against high-powered offenses in the AFC North.
As for Henderson, the path forward is uncertain. His neck injury is just the latest setback in a career full of hurdles, and his time in Pittsburgh could be nearing an end if he doesn’t find a way to stay healthy and produce on the field. With his status now on IR, the Steelers’ cornerback depth will continue to be tested in the coming weeks, but the hope remains that Trice’s return will provide some stability in the secondary.
With the Steelers set to face off against the Cleveland Browns in a crucial divisional matchup, the team will need to lean on its experience in the secondary and hope for the best from the young cornerbacks on the roster. But with a rapidly evolving depth chart, Pittsburgh’s defense will need to adapt quickly to avoid further injuries and keep pace in the competitive AFC North race.
