Sutton’s Status: Cam returns but playing time uncertain

PITTSBURGH – With being reinstated from his eight-game suspension last week, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton will make his season debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. What role he’ll have on defense is a mystery, however. Undrafted free agent cornerback Beanie Bishop has shined in the slot corner spot during Sutton’s absence, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in October.

“That’s something to find out,” Sutton said on Monday when asked about his role following his suspension.

Sutton doesn’t appear to be bothered if he takes a backup role to Bishop.

“I play football man,” he said. “I don’t care what position it is. I could be on offensive line, I really don’t care.”

Bishop, an undrafted free agent out of West Virginia, had two key interceptions in the Steelers’ win over the New York Jets in Week 7. He then followed with a game-sealing interception in last Monday night’s win over the New York Giants. Bishop called his shot that he was going to seal the win. Sutton has been impressed with what he’s seen from the rookie.

“He’s doing really well,” Sutton said of Bishop. “He’s learning each and every day. He’s learning the small things about the game. It’s another guy who is about his business, about his work. Great energy. He’s just really enjoying ball right now, taking it one day at a time, and good things are happening for him. He’s playing really good ball right now.”

Sutton is just looking forward to putting his hand in the pile and contributing on defense.

‘I love our group,” Sutton said. “I love the continuity of our guys. I’ve spent a lot of time with our guys, a group that’s just hungry, loves playing together with each other and just excited to be around back with the guys.”

Through eight games, the Steelers defense ranks second in scoring defense, allowing only 14.9 points per game. The unit has also excelled in the turnover margin with 15 takeaways. The Steelers +10 turnover differential is tied for third-best in the NFL.

“We’re doing a great job of just giving teams different looks, getting after quarterbacks how we should and obviously winning the field position game, getting off the field and causing turnovers and getting the ball back for our offense,” Sutton said.

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin plans on taking things slow with Sutton, but he has no doubt that he can make an instant impact.

“We don’t have to force him, but we know he’s a good player,” Austin said. “He’s a capable starter. Our big thing is: Let’s get him in, see where he fits and how he’ll help us get better.

“We’re going to work him in. He’ll play some slot, obviously. We know he has a jack-of-all-trades mentality. He has the ability to do it. We’ll play it by ear.”