Steelers place former first-round CB on IR

C.J. Henderson has yet to make his Steelers debut, and that will remain the case for an extended period.

The former first-rounder corner was placed on injured reserve, the team announced Saturday. Henderson joined the Steelers in September, initially inking a practice squad deal. He was promoted to the active roster last month amidst interest from other teams, but he has still yet to make an appearance.



A neck injury will now keep Henderson sidelined for at least the next four games as Pittsburgh looks to remain atop the AFC North. Pittsburgh enters Week 11 with a 7-2 record ahead of a critical matchup with the Ravens. The team’s defense has remained among the league’s best units with both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at the helm; the Steelers have allowed 16.

2 points per games this year, the second-best mark in the NFL. The team’s secondary has not been as strong, as Pittsburgh sits just 19th against the pass. Henderson’s absence will require the Steelers to continue leaning heavily on Joey Porter Jr.

and Donte Jackson as starters at the cornerback spot. The likes of undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop along with Cameron Sutton – recently reinstated from suspension – are in place to handle rotational roles in the secondary. Missed time will further hinder Henderson’s ability to carve out a role with the Steelers.

The 26-year-old entered the league with high expectations but he played only 10 games with the Jaguars before being traded during his second season to the Panthers. Henderson made 22 starts with Carolina, but his struggles in coverage continued during his time with the team. The Florida product took a one-year deal with the Texans in free agency, but he did not survive roster cutdowns .

Having yet to make an impact in Pittsburgh, Henderson is no doubt looking at another tepid market this spring. In a corresponding move, the Steelers signed running back Jonathan Ward to the active roster. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have handled the bulk of the rushing load in 2024, as expected.

Ward, 27, has received only five carries so far this season but he has contributed on special teams. He will feature in that capacity on Sunday provided he is part of the gameday lineup. This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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