Steelers Played Rookie Everette Against Bengals
Pittsburgh coaches substituted rookie Daylen Everette for veteran Asante Samuel Jr. in the fourth quarter.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football
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The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27 after shifting their defensive rotation. Rookie cornerback Daylen Everette replaced veteran Asante Samuel Jr. for part of the contest.
Why it matters
The coaching staff opted for the change based on Everette's performance in practice and his physical size, which provided a strategic advantage against opposing receivers.
Rookie cornerback Daylen Everette stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 190 pounds, while veteran Asante Samuel Jr. is 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds. Samuel allowed four receptions and two touchdowns before being substituted.
The players
Daylen Everette
He is a rookie cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who measures 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds.
Asante Samuel Jr.
He is a veteran cornerback who signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2026.
Mike McCarthy
He is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers who addressed the team's defensive rotation decisions.
The details
Coaches moved to the rookie after Samuel struggled throughout the game, with Everette recording one pass breakup during his 26 snaps. Everette, who earned his opportunity through competitive 2-minute drills in practice, allowed two receptions on three targets.
Timeline
March 2026: Asante Samuel Jr. signed a one-year contract.
September 27, 2026: The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.
September 28, 2026: Coach Mike McCarthy discussed the rotation decision.
October 2026: Asante Samuel Jr. turns 27 years old.
Season Trajectory
This rotation change suggests an evolving defensive philosophy in Pittsburgh as the coaching staff evaluates personnel under the current team structure. The decision could shift the competitive balance in the secondary for upcoming games as the staff manages the transition between veterans and rookies.
Asante Samuel Jr. played 72% of the team's defensive snaps during the game, but his role remains uncertain following the fourth-quarter substitution. Fantasy owners and team observers should monitor if Everette earns a larger share of the 57 total defensive snaps in upcoming matchups.
The takeaway
Rookie players often earn playing time through practice performance and physical matchups against specific opponent rosters. Teams frequently adjust defensive personnel to maximize coverage efficiency as individual veteran performance fluctuates throughout the season.
Further reading
For more on the current team dynamics, visit the Pittsburgh Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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Should coaches favor rookie performance in practice over veteran experience during game rotations?
