If the learning curve was steep to assimilate William Jackson III into the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, the crunch of the timeline got a little tighter Monday.
Jackson did not take part in Steelers practice, the veteran cornerback confirmed after the session at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Jackson referenced his back as the reason and said he hoped he would be able to take part in the Steelers’ next practice Wednesday.
Acquired Nov. 1 via swap of conditional, late-round 2025 draft picks, Jackson had missed the final three games of his tenure with the Washington Commanders because of a back injury.
James Pierre confirmed he was taking some first-team practice reps at outside cornerback Monday, a “bonus” practice to wrap up the Steelers’ bye week. Jackson, 30, took part in practice Wednesday, his first day on-site with his new team. The team had the next four days off.
The Steelers traded for Jackson two days after Ahkello Witherspoon was benched in a 35-13 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 30. Pierre replaced Witherspoon in the second half of that game.
Jackson last week told Pittsburgh media that his back initially was injured making a tackle during a Oct. 9 game against the Tennessee Titans.
Jackson is owed $2.8 million for the remainder of the season by the Steelers. His contract calls for compensation of $12.75 million in 2023, but that is non-guaranteed.
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