After starting the 2025 season 4-1, the Steelers are 5-4 heading into Week 11. The team has lost three of their last four games. Pittsburgh is at home in Week 11 to face the Bengals.
Before that game, the Steelers signed a free agent. Chargers signed CB Asante Samuel Jr. Previously with Pittsburgh’s coaching staff. The 26-year-old suffered an injury in Week 4 of the 2024 season and has yet to play. Samuel required spinal fusion surgery and has made a full recovery. He would be a much-needed addition to the Steelers’ secondary, which is allowing the most yards per game this season.
Asante Samuel Jr. He is now a member of the Steelers’ coaching staff
One extra comfort level for #SteelersThe doctor who performed the surgery on Ashanti Samuel Jr. is Dr. David Okonkwo #Steelers Neurosurgeon team. His first-hand knowledge of the injury helped. By the way, Samuel has passed his physical condition.
– 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. He played the first four seasons of his career with Los Angeles. Samuel appeared in 50 games and made 47 starts for the Chargers. Over the first three years of his career, Samuel provided solid production for the Chargers at CB. During the 2024 season, Asante Samuel Jr. suffered a serious injury that required spinal fusion surgery.
Since the injury, Asante Samuel Jr. has been doing his best to get back on the field. He has not appeared in a game in more than a calendar year. At the beginning of November, Asamati Samuel Jr. was given the all-clear by doctors. He visited with the Packers, Bears, Vikings, 49ers, Panthers and Steelers. However, Samuel Jr. ultimately chose Pittsburgh.
Steelers signed CB Asante Samuel Jr. To train the team. (via @rabshit) pic.twitter.com/JuNvwfCGBl
– NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2025
On Wednesday morning, NFL insiders confirmed that the 26-year-old will sign with the Steelers’ practice squad. He’s a solid addition for Pittsburgh on paper. When healthy, Samuel Jr. was productive. Additionally, the Steelers need some serious help in the secondary. Heading into Week 11, the team is allowing 269.4 yards per game. This is the last death in the NFL.
Pittsburgh is near the league average allowed per game in 2025. The team has trouble on defense, specifically in the secondary. Through nine games, the Steelers are allowing a career-high 39.7 pass attempts per game to their opponents. There is no guarantee that Asante Samuel Jr. He will fix the Steelers defense. We’ll have to wait and see how quickly he can make an impact. The Steelers are at home in Week 11 to face the Bengals.
