Asante Samuel Jr. is poised for a comeback after shoulder and neck injuries sidelined him during the 2024 season. The talented cornerback has signed a practice squad contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Samuel played just four games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 before being placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder issue. This concern, as Samuel mentioned, has been an ongoing challenge that he has faced since birth. In April, he underwent spinal fusion surgery and subsequently missed the beginning of the 2025 season.
However, Samuel was cleared for football activities on November 3, signaling a positive path toward his return. His new contract with the Steelers reflects a shared optimism about his ability to rejoin the field this season. The Steelers are hopeful he can recapture his previous form, having earned impressive coverage grades exceeding 75.0 in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Originally drafted in the second round of the 2021 draft, Samuel spent his first four NFL seasons with the Chargers, amassing 176 tackles and defending 37 passes across 50 regular-season games. His standout moment came during a single playoff appearance in January 2023, where he impressively recorded three interceptions in a Wild Card loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While Samuel works toward returning, the Chargers have managed to fill the gap with the emergence of young cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, along with the addition of Donte Jackson in the spring. The combination of hope for Samuel’s recovery and the Chargers’ defensive depth speaks to a promising future for both the player and the teams involved.