James Pierre will play but won't retain starting CB job once Darius Slay returns for Steelers

James Pierre had a fumble return for a touchdown that sealed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 34-12 victory Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had six tackles and two pass breakups. He held the coveted receiving duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to one catch on five targets for 13 yards.

Yet Pierre might be on the bench when the Steelers face the Chicago Bears this weekend at Soldier Field.

On Tuesday, coach Mike Tomlin said Darius Slay will resume his starting role at the cornerback spot opposite Joey Porter Jr. if Slay returns from concussion protocol.

“He steps back in,” Tomlin said of Slay at his weekly press conference. “Certainly, we’re going to continue to play James. He’s deserving of that, but, if healthy, Slay is going to play.”

Signed to a one-year, $10 million contract in free agency, Slay started the first nine games, but he was benched at times during the Steelers’ 35-25 loss to Green Bay on Oct. 26. He left with concussion symptoms after playing just 16 snaps in a 25-10 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers. Pierre’s playing time has increased in recent weeks with Jalen Ramsey moving to free safety.

Pierre went from logging 16 snaps against Indianapolis to 48 against Los Angeles and 65 versus the Bengals. He has five pass breakups in that span and ranks second on the Steelers with eight for the season.

Only Porter, with 11, has more.

“He’s done a nice job, but usually when you’re a backup, you get targets,” Tomlin said. “When you get targets, you generally get breakups. We have not been displeased with his efforts. We’ve been quite pleased with his efforts. We’re certainly interested in continuing to use him as we move forward.”

Injury update

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith remains limited with a pectoral injury that kept him from playing against Cincinnati.

“If there is an uptick in participation, we’ll consider him,” Tomlin said.

Highsmith did not take part in any of the team’s three practices last week. If he can’t play, Nick Herbig will make another start. Herbig had the Steelers’ lone sack against Cincinnati. He leads the Steelers with 6.5 sacks. Highsmith, who had two in each of his previous two games, is third with 5.5.

Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb, who missed two games with an illness, will resume practicing on at least a limited basis. Holcomb was limited in practice last Thursday but did not participate Friday. Malik Harrison played on run-down situations the past two weeks while Holcomb was out.

Harrison remains in the mix to get snaps once Holcomb returns.

“We’ll determine that,” Tomlin said. “He’s done a nice job in the interim. I don’t view these juggling things as issues. Not having options is an issue.”

Running back Jaylen Warren, who injured his ankle in the second half Sunday, also will be limited in practice to start the week. Warren could have returned to the game, but Tomlin said he wanted to continue using the “hot hand” in backup Kenny Gainwell.

“We’re all optimistic about his inclusion as we push through the week,” Tomlin said of Warren.

Wide receiver/returner Ke’Shawn Williams remains in concussion protocol after being injured on the opening kickoff.

Spit decision

After the game Sunday, Tomlin said his preference would have been for Ramsey to remain in the game rather than throw a punch that got him ejected. Tomlin admitted Tuesday that he was “aware” that Ja’Marr Chase had spit on Ramsey, which led to the punch being thrown.

“I have no messages if someone spits in your face,” Tomlin said. “Do what comes natural.”

Ramsey faces a fine from the NFL for being ejected. Chase remained in the game, but the NFL handed down a one-game suspension Monday that the Bengals wide receiver is appealing.

“It was an unfortunate incident,” Tomlin said. “It’s not an act common to the game of football. It has nothing to do with football. I’m not going to comment on it. The NFL office rendered its judgment, and so we’re moving on.”