James Pierre gets another start at cornerback for Steelers at expense of Darius Slay

CHICAGO — So much for cornerback Darius Slay immediately getting his starting job back for the Pittsburgh Steelers after exiting concussion protocol last week.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Slay would return to his spot at outside corner. Yet, when the game against the Chicago Bears started Sunday, James Pierre was in the lineup.

Slay remained on the bench until Joey Porter exited with a leg injury in the second quarter. Porter returned but departed for good in the second half with a hip flexor, giving Slay additional snaps.

Pierre was injured late in the game, causing the Steelers to lose their final timeout.

Tomlin explained his decision to start Pierre instead of Slay because of the disparity in practice snaps during the week.

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“He got a quality week’s work,” Tomlin said. “When you’re going into tough, competitive circumstances sometimes you base decisions on preparation and who gets the looks. As we’ve mentioned the past several weeks, James Pierre has been playing well, and we’ll see what holds for next week.”

After missing the previous game against Cincinnati, Slay was a full practice participant Wednesday and Thursday. He was limited Friday, but the Steelers removed his injury designation Saturday, clearing him to play.

In other injuries, wide receiver DK Metcalf left for a few plays in the second quarter with an ankle injury. He returned and played most of the offensive snaps the rest of the way.

Left tackle Broderick Jones suffered a stinger in the fourth quarter and was replaced by veteran Calvin Anderson.

“I don’t have any further description of that,” Tomlin said. “I think he’ll be examined for further information.”