PITTSBURGH, PA — November 7, 2025.
He played nearly every snap. He made an instant impact.
And yet, Teryl Austin still won’t call him a starter.
A week after Kyle Dugger’s surprising debut in the black and gold — stepping in with almost no practice time and turning heads against the Indianapolis Colts — the Steelers’ defensive coordinator is refusing to guarantee him a full-time role ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Los Angeles Chargers.
“We’re still evaluating what’s best for us,” Austin told reporters Thursday. “We’ll see how the week goes, how the guys feel, and make that decision closer to game time.”
It’s a cautious answer from a coach who knows the stakes. With Chuck Clark back from injury but Jabrill Peppers still questionable, Pittsburgh’s safety room has become a revolving door of talent — each man experienced, each man fighting to prove he’s the difference-maker the team needs.
The Kyle Dugger Factor: Calm Amid Chaos
When Dugger arrived in Pittsburgh via trade last week, few expected him to see much action so soon.
But with Clark and Peppers both sidelined, the Steelers had no choice — and the sixth-year veteran delivered, flashing range, physicality, and leadership in limited preparation time.
Still, Austin isn’t rushing to anoint him.
The Steelers’ official depth chart now lists Dugger and Jalen Ramsey as the starting safeties, but as Austin reminded everyone — “depth charts don’t win games.”
Behind the scenes, it’s a puzzle of chemistry and trust. The team still has Juan Thornhill available, but his role remains limited after an uneven showing against the Colts. With DeShon Elliott likely out for the season, it’s clear Pittsburgh’s defensive identity is still taking shape.
A Defense Searching for Balance
The Steelers’ secondary has talent — Ramsey, Dugger, Clark, Thornhill, Peppers — but no clear formula. Each brings something different: Ramsey’s instincts, Clark’s steadiness, Dugger’s explosiveness.
And then there’s Darius Slay, whose veteran presence at corner adds another variable.
Sources inside the organization say Pittsburgh could also take a close look at Asante Samuel Jr. next week — if he remains unsigned.
The message is clear: the Steelers are building a flexible, positionless defense built on matchups and adaptability.
“We’ve got smart players,” Austin said. “Guys who can play multiple spots. That’s how we’ll survive long seasons.”
The Bigger Picture: Simplicity That Works
Last week’s win over Indianapolis wasn’t about flashy schemes. It was about discipline, communication, and effort — three things Austin values more than reputation.
Dugger may not yet be a full-time starter on paper. But inside the locker room, players already see what he brings: calm under pressure, confidence without ego, and a voice that fits the Steelers’ defensive DNA.
As one veteran put it quietly after practice:
“He’s got that look in his eyes — like he’s been here for years.”
That’s the Pittsburgh standard — earn it, don’t expect it.
