The Pittsburgh Steelers released cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. this week to make room for veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the practice squad.
Given that Bishop had a solid rookie campaign for the Steelers in 2024, it was a notable departure. But it wasn’t notable enough for head coach Mike Tomlin to spend time discussing it Tuesday.
“I’m not getting into practice squad decisions. That’s just too far down the totem pole,” Tomlin said to a question about what went into the decision to release Bishop. “I’m more interested in what we need to do this week, and the guys that our on the 53 that we’re preparing to play.”
The Steelers waived Bishop following the preseason in August. The 25-year-old returned to the organization on the team’s first 2025 practice squad.
In 17 games last season, the 2024 undrafted free agent posted 45 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss. He also had seven pass defenses, four interceptions and 0.5 sacks.
But through Week 9, Bishop had not played in the 2025 campaign.
Mike Tomlin Declines to Say Why Steelers Released Beanie Bishop Jr.
Tomlin doesn’t really have anything to gain for answering the question. So, he responded in a way that allowed him not to give an answer for why the Steelers moved on from Bishop.
But the question probably deserved an answer. Yes, Tomlin is right, he should be focused on the 53 players who will dress Sunday. But in modern football, that can include practice squad players.
While Bishop didn’t play as well during the second half of his rookie campaign, he didn’t play poorly. With how badly the Steelers secondary has played this season, it was a little surprising Bishop wasn’t more seriously considered as a practice squad elevation on game days.
It’s even more surprising when considering Tomlin indicated Tuesday that Jalen Ramsey is going to play safety again in Week 10. The Steelers could have used Bishop as an extra cornerback with Ramsey slotted at a different position.
Interestingly, maybe the fact Bishop wasn’t promoted in Week 9 was part of why the Steelers released him. If Bishop wasn’t worth dressing with Pittsburgh’s lack of safety depth, it may have become no longer worth keeping him.
Steelers Practice Squad Secondary Depth
Without Bishop, the Steelers have two remaining cornerbacks on their practice squad — D’Shawn Jamison and Daryl Porter.
Jamison had a similar start to his NFL career as Bishop. After being an undrafted free agent in 2023, Jamison appeared in 15 games for the Carolina Panthers. He posted 10 combined tackles and one pass defense.
Porter is an undrafted free agent who has yet to make his NFL debut.
The Steelers also have safeties Darrick Forrest and Jack Henderson on their practice squad for secondary depth. The team added Forrest, who has starter experience in the NFL, last week.
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