PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – As the week played out Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter, Junior, Levi Wallace and James Pierre, the team's four main cornerbacks, all missed some time at practice this week. Wallace, Porter and Pierre are all questionable with all others full go to play against Jacksonville, Peterson is good.
Porter was limited Friday with a calf injury, Wallace limited with a foot injury and Pierre did not practice because of an ankle injury. That allowed for Luc Barcoo and Darius Rush to get an opportunity, on Friday Barcoo confirmed he got first-team reps.
"I got a lot of reps this week due to guys being down," Rush said. "That's an opportunity to get a feel for the defense a little more and get those reps. Being able to communicate with Minkah and get that chemistry going as well. That's been a big thing, executing and knowing my assignments."
Fitzpatrick has seen a number of situations during his time with the Steelers. He went to the 'next man up' mentality that is echoed through the organization from the top down.
"We had some guys go down, some people had to step up," Fitzpatrick said. "Communication, there can be no drop off. As soon as you lack communication, that's when you get beat. If I have to communicate a little extra to the new guys, or guys stepping up, then that's what I have to do."
"All of us take responsibility for that. When the guys who come in that don't normally play, they have to elevate their game."
Just over a week ago the Steelers released Desmond King and added Rush. He's 23-years-old, 6'2" and was the Colts fifth-round pick but released with 10 days to go before the roster deadline. He was then picked up and released by the Chiefs before signing with the Steelers. Rush is expected to be a good tackler and ran a 4.36, 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Barcoo was All-XFL and was signed by the Steelers after playing Spring football this year. As a senior at San Diego State in 2019, he led all FBS corners with nine interceptions, 25 passes defended and 16 pass breakups and named Third-Team AP All-American. He's been with the Chiefs, Jets, Cardinals and 49ers previously, but has been with the Steelers since OTAs began.
"Anytime you are behind the scenes, on the practice squad, around here, that's you get the most work," Barcco said. "I feel super-comfortable with the defense and I feel like I'm prepared."
"I make sure I watch a lot of film, even though I know I'm not playing. I know the ins-and-outs of the defense and at practice, I don't just go through the motions. I practice with a purpose."
"Pretty comfortable and I got the vets to lean on for any advice," Rush said. "Being in that playbook for the last couple of weeks as been pretty important for opportunities like this. I have the opportunity to go out there and get on the field. I have to make sure I'm doing all my assignments."
"Pretty confident in my practice this week. Got to keep building on it, go out there and execute it if my number is called."
"It would be very exciting to put that jersey on and compete."
Same for Barcoo, he played his rookie season with the Jags.
"I would love to play those guys again."
He might just get his wish on Sunday with injuries across the board with the Steelers corners.
