The Pittsburgh Steelers made a smart move by adding former first-round pick C.J. Henderson to their practice squad. Henderson was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars but has yet to fully live up to his potential. With the Steelers, he will have the opportunity to work with a strong team and coaching staff in hopes of reaching his full potential.
Henderson spent a little over one season with the Jaguars before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in late September 2021. During his time with the Jaguars, Henderson appeared in 10 games and recorded 44 tackles, six pass deflections, and one interception. In his final 10 games with the Panthers, he secured 31 tackles and two pass deflections. In 2022, Henderson played in all 17 games with Carolina, starting 10 of them, and had 58 tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions, showing improvement over time.
Despite showing promise, Henderson was released by the Houston Texans in August as they cut their roster down to 53 players. The Steelers are now giving him a chance to prove himself, as he enters the team with a wealth of talent but a struggle to fully showcase it in the NFL. Coach Mike Tomlin is known for getting the best out of his players, and the Steelers currently have the best defense in the league through three games, allowing just 229 yards and 8.7 points per game, both ranking first in the NFL.
The Steelers are off to a 3-0 start this season with wins against the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers. They will aim to continue their winning streak against the Indianapolis Colts. Henderson will have the opportunity to learn the playbook and work towards an active roster call-up in the coming weeks. With his talent and the support of an experienced coaching staff, Henderson has the potential to make an impact on the Steelers’ defense and contribute to their successful season.
Before joining the NFL, Henderson had a successful college career at the University of Florida, where he accumulated 93 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, 20 pass deflections, and six interceptions across 30 games. While he may have struggled to consistently perform at the NFL level, his track record and potential make him an intriguing addition to the Steelers’ roster. As he continues to develop and adjust to his new team, Henderson will have the opportunity to prove himself and make an impact in the league.
Overall, the addition of C.J. Henderson to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad could prove to be a wise move for the team. With a strong coaching staff, a talented roster, and a history of player development, Henderson has the potential to thrive in Pittsburgh. As he continues to work towards earning a spot on the active roster and contributing to the team’s success, Henderson will have the chance to showcase his skills and make a positive impact on the Steelers’ defense.
