Patrick Peterson moved to safety out of necessity against the Indianapolis Colts last Saturday, but it wasn’t his first time doing so.
Peterson had appeared in about half of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ games this season, even playing free safety for 18 plays against Tennessee in Week 9.
“That was more of an appetizer,” Peterson admitted. “Now, I’ve got the entree.”
Following a season-high 30 snaps at free safety due to Minkah Fitzpatrick’s injury in the second quarter, Peterson is set to make his first career start there when the Steelers face the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday.
Peterson is embracing his new role because he has no choice. The Steelers (7-7) will be without four of their top safeties when they try to end a three-game losing streak and return to playoff contention with a win over the Bengals (8-6).
High security This week, Damontae Kazee’s three-game suspension was upheld, and he will miss the rest of the regular season. Fitzpatrick was ejected in the 30-13 loss after colliding with Peterson on the play immediately following Kazee’s ejection. Trenton Thompson, who suffered a stinger in the game, has already been ruled out against the Bengals. Keanu Neal is still on injured reserve due to a rib injury.
The Steelers’ safety corps now consists of Peterson, Elijah Riley, Eric Rowe, and Miles Killebrew. Riley was activated from injured reserve on Friday after suffering an ankle injury. Rowe, a veteran of nine years, was promoted from the practice squad. He was unemployed for two months before joining the Steelers practice squad on Nov. 20. Killebrew is a vital member of the special teams unit.
During the practice week, Peterson was unsure who would line up alongside him at free safety.
“As you know,” he chuckled, “it’s a little thin back there.”
The Steelers are counting on Peterson’s 13 years of NFL experience to provide a calming presence in the secondary against the Bengals, and possibly throughout the season.
“Position flexibility and his willingness and ability to do that really has allowed us to function,” Mike Tomlin, the team’s coach, said. “But given a normal cycle in terms of preparedness, it’s going to be less of an issue.”
When Peterson signed a two-year contract with the Steelers in free agency, he did so with the understanding that a position change was possible. Peterson took reps all over the defense, including slot corner and safety, beginning in organized team activities and continuing through training camp.
“They did a great job in that if this opportunity did present itself, I wouldn’t be out there running around like a chicken with my head cut off,” said Peterson. “I’m at ease back there.” The visual is different, but the more reps I get, the more at ease I’ll become.”
Peterson, a three-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback, decided at the age of 33 that it was time to follow in the footsteps of Steelers Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, who moved to safety late in his NFL career.
Peterson wants to play in the NFL for 15 years. He’s two short of his goal.
“I feel like this is a great move for me at this stage of my career,” he told reporters. “We have some good corners who can help this team.” This could be my second profession.”
Joey Porter Jr, a rookie, had already secured one corner spot. In Fitzpatrick’s absence, the Steelers will rely on a combination of Levi Wallace, James Pierre, and Darius Rush to fill the other outside spot. Chandon Sullivan and Riley are both candidates to play the slot, which Peterson has filled this season.
“We’re not dumbing it down,” Riley said of the Steelers’ subpackages against the Bengals. “We have very capable guys back there who are going to be able to communicate and make the necessary adjustments and go out there and ball.”
Riley had only played defense in three games prior to missing the last four due to an ankle injury. He is up for the challenge.
“Throw me into the fire, and I want to come out unscathed,” the man said.
Rowe, 31, spent the previous four seasons with the Miami Dolphins and is hoping that his NFL experience will compensate for the lack of practice reps he received with the Steelers prior to this week.
“I’ve played the game for nine years, so I know fast the game is, how fast you move,” he went on to say. “(Defense) coordinators are astute; if they suspect you’re not doing your job, they’ll zero in on one individual.” “I understand what it takes to play in the game.”
