Accomplished CBs Anthony Brown, Josiah Scott act as insurance for Steelers on practice squad
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Anthony Brown and Josiah Scott have combined to play 10 NFL seasons, 133 regular-season games and four postseason games. They’ve been on division title teams, combined for 12 career interceptions and figured in on 387 tackles.
Each, though, for the moment is spending this week on the scout team at Pittsburgh Steelers practice.
“I feel like I am basically just back at the bottom,” said the 29-year-old Brown, who’s started 72 NFL games since 2016. “I have to build myself back up, earn that respect of my new teammates and just come out here and work every day. Just put my head down and work.”
Brown had become a popular player on the Dallas Cowboys defense over seven years in that organization. The start he made Dec. 4 in a home game against the Indianapolis Colts was his 37th in a row. But Brown suffered a torn Achilles tendon that day, one that ended his season and sent him into the offseason not in line for a lucrative free-agent contract but enduring a lengthy rehab.
Cowboys CB Anthony Brown (ankle) has been quickly ruled out for game. Carted off with what appears to be a significant injury. https://t.co/RFyj3X656J pic.twitter.com/jAYaj0w8rO
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 5, 2022
Brown said he was cleared for football in mid-August. Understandably, no NFL team had signed him to that point. Teams began showing interest as camps wound down, but it became clear accepting a practice-squad role with the Steelers was Brown’s best option.
“It’s about getting into football shape right now,” Brown said, “see how my Achilles is feeling and keep going from there and keep getting better as the weeks go. And then whatever happens, happens.”
Brown (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) said after his first practice with the Steelers that he was being deployed as an outside cornerback. But he has extensive NFL experience both inside and outside, as does the 5-9, 185-pound Scott.
Scott, a fourth-year veteran, said the Steelers initially were deploying him in practice at the nickel/slot.
“If you look back at my track record, I have played outside, I have played inside, I have played back safety, I have played in the box,” Scott said. “I play pretty much anywhere in the secondary, so I feel comfortable pretty much anywhere.”
As the preseason wrapped up, cornerback had the look of the thinnest position on the Steelers roster. Steelers management tacitly acknowledged so by adding three veterans at the position to the organization after final cuts. Desmond King was signed to the 53-man roster, and Scott and Brown were the two players with the most NFL game experience that were added to the 16-man practice squad.
Collectively, they provide insurance in the event of possible unfavorable scenarios playing out among the Steelers secondary. For example James Pierre’s play could be ineffective or the nickel duo of Elijah Riley and Chandon Sullivan might not handling their duties or rookie Joey Porter Jr. might prove unready for the NFL level. Injury, of course, also could compel the Steelers to call Brown or Scott into action.
“I look at it as a fresh start,” said Scott, who appeared in 17 games (including playoffs) for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles last season.
“It’s very confident environment. It’s not too hostile. So I am just coming in here with a fresh opportunity.”
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