The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed cornerback C.J. Henderson to their practice squad, adding depth to their secondary as they gear up for the midseason stretch. Henderson, a former first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, brings both talent and experience to Pittsburgh’s roster as he looks to revitalize his NFL career.
Henderson, who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jaguars, has struggled to consistently perform up to the expectations that come with being a top-10 pick. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021 after just one season in Jacksonville, as the Jaguars underwent a rebuild and coaching changes. In Carolina, Henderson showed flashes of his potential but struggled with consistency, leading to his eventual release after the 2023 preseason.
By signing Henderson to the practice squad, the Steelers are making a low-risk move that could pay off if the young cornerback can regain his form. Henderson has the physical tools to succeed at the NFL level, standing at 6’1″ and weighing 204 pounds. He possesses the speed and athleticism to cover top receivers, making him an intriguing addition to Pittsburgh’s defensive depth chart.
The Steelers have been dealing with injuries in their secondary, which may have prompted the move to add Henderson. Pittsburgh has relied heavily on their star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and their established cornerbacks, but depth has been an issue as injuries have piled up. If Henderson can prove himself on the practice squad, he could be promoted to the active roster and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts down the stretch.
For Henderson, this opportunity represents a chance to reset his career. At just 25 years old, he still has time to turn things around and prove that he belongs in the NFL. The Steelers, known for their strong defensive identity, could be the ideal landing spot for a player looking to tap into his full potential. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Tomlin and the team’s defensive staff, Henderson may have the support he needs to develop into a reliable player.
In the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see how Henderson fits into the Steelers’ plans. The team’s secondary will be tested as they face several high-powered offenses in their upcoming games, and Henderson could provide valuable support if called upon. Whether or not he can make the most of this opportunity will depend on his ability to adapt to the Steelers’ defensive schemes and demonstrate the consistency that has eluded him in previous stops.
For now, Henderson joins the Steelers’ practice squad, ready to work his way back into NFL action.
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