Asante Samuel Jr. earns larger role for Steelers season opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 7:15 PM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026
Asante Samuel Jr. is set to take on a larger role for the Pittsburgh Steelers following the announcement that Joey Porter Jr. will miss the team's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Porter remains sidelined as he and the organization have yet to reach a contract extension, with reports suggesting he could potentially be traded. Samuel, who rejoined the Steelers after undergoing spinal fusion surgery, will likely receive the start in Porter's absence. The cornerback joined the team midway through the 2025 season and appeared in six games, recording 10 tackles and one interception. He performed well during training camp and preseason, positioning himself as the primary replacement for the upcoming game.
- •Joey Porter Jr. is inactive for the Steelers' season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
- •Asante Samuel Jr. is expected to start in place of Porter.
- •The Steelers have been open to a potential trade involving Porter.
- •Samuel finished the 2025 season with 10 tackles and one interception in six games.
- 7:15 PMYahoo Sports — Steelers’ Asante Samuel Jr. Signing Could Look Like a Masterstroke if Joey Porter Jr. Misses Time
"Asante Samuel Jr. could be walking into one of the biggest opportunities of his Pittsburgh Steelers career, and with Joey Porter Jr. unavailable for the opener and his long-term future with the Steelers still uncertain, Samuel is suddenly in position to take on a much larger role. That makes an offseason decision by Pittsburgh look […] The post Steelers’ Asante Samuel Jr. Signing Could Look Like a Masterstroke if Joey Porter Jr. Misses Time appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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