Former first-round pick CB C.J. Henderson signed by Steelers to practice squad

After signing veteran cornerback James Pierre to the 53-man roster following the location of second-year nook Cory Trice Jr. on injured reserve Tuesday, the Steelers stuffed Pierre’s spot on the practice squad Wednesday.

The Steelers signed former first-round pick in cornerback C.J. Henderson to the practice squad Wednesday, the staff introduced. Pittsburgh labored out Henderson final week, getting a great have a look at the 2020 first-rounder.

According to Steelers.com, Henderson will wear No. 33 on the practice squad.

Henderson was a first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars however didn’t final lengthy there, finally being traded to the Carolina Panthers after only a yr and a half in Jacksonville. He then spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Panthers.

From 2021-23 with the Panthers, Henderson began 22 video games and picked off two passes, each of which got here within the 2022 season. Despite the 2 interceptions, his 2022 season wasn’t superb total in Carolina.

According to Pro Football Reference, Henderson was charged for 5 touchdowns in opposition to that season. He bounced again in 2023, permitting only one landing. However, when opposing quarterbacks focused him in protection, he allowed a 73% completion charge.

After three seasons in Carolina, Henderson spent this previous coaching camp with the Houston Texans however failed to make their roster, getting launched as a part of closing roster cutdowns.

In 49 profession video games (32 begins), Henderson has recorded 172 tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions, 16 passes defensed, two compelled fumbles, one fumble restoration and one sack. He’s performed, 2,036 profession snaps, with 1,729 of them coming as an outdoor cornerback, together with 102 snaps within the slot, 196 snaps within the field, 5 alongside the line of defense and 4 at free security, according to Pro Football Focus.

Across these 49 video games, Henderson has been charged with permitting 134 receptions on 190 targets for 1,680 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Last season in Carolina, Henderson performed 407 snaps defensively and graded out at a forty five.4 total from PFF.

In the preseason with Houston this summer season, Henderson played just five snaps defensively, all in opposition to the Steelers within the preseason opener. He allowed one reception for 15 yards in that matchup, lacking one deal with.

With Henderson, the Steelers now have 4 cornerbacks on their practice squad, together with Anthony Averett, D’Shawn Jamison and Thomas Graham Jr.