The Steelers, who started the 2025 season 4-1, are 5-4 heading into Week 11. The team has lost three of its past four games. Pittsburgh will play the Bengals at home in Week 11.
Prior to that matchup, the Steelers signed a free agent. Former Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has been signed to Pittsburgh’s practice squad. The 26-year-old was injured in Week 4 of the 2024 season and has not played in a game. Samuel required spinal fusion surgery but made a full recovery. He will be a much-needed addition to the Steelers’ secondary, which has the most passing yards per game this season.
Asante Samuel Jr. is now a member of the Steelers’ practice squad.
One more comfort level added #Steelers: The doctor who operated on Asante Samuel Jr. is Dr. David Okonkwo. #Steelers Team neurosurgeon. It helped that he had first-hand knowledge of the injury. By the way, Samuel has completed his medical examination. https://t.co/eKk0oxK8TI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2025
In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Chargers used their second-round pick to select Asante Samuel Jr. from Florida State University. He played the first four seasons of his career in Los Angeles. Samuel played in 50 games and started 47 for the Chargers. For the first three years of his career, Samuel provided solid results for the Chargers at cornerback. During the 2024 season, Asante Samuel Jr. suffered a serious injury that required spinal fusion surgery.
Since his injury, Asante Samuel Jr. has been working hard to get back on the field. He hasn’t played in a game in over a year. In early November, Asamate Samuel Jr. was examined by doctors. He visited the Packers, Bears, Vikings, 49ers, Panthers and Steelers. However, Samuel Jr. ultimately chose Pittsburgh.
Steelers sign CB Asante Samuel Jr. to practice squad. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/JuNvwfCGBl
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2025
On Wednesday morning, NFL officials confirmed that the 26-year-old has been signed to the Steelers’ practice squad. He’s a solid addition for Pittsburgh on paper. Samuel Jr. was productive when healthy. Additionally, the Steelers need serious help in the secondary. Heading into Week 11, the team is allowing 269.4 passing yards per game. That’s the lowest in the NFL.
Pittsburgh is close to reaching the league average for rushing yards per game in 2025. The team has issues on defense, especially in the secondary. Through nine games, the Steelers are allowing opponents a league-high 39.7 pass attempts per game. There’s no guarantee that Asante Samuel Jr. will fix the Steelers’ defense. We’ll have to wait and see how quickly he can make an impact. In Week 11, the Steelers will play at home against the Bengals.
