Mike McCarthy: Daylen Everette Earned Fourth-Quarter Opportunity; Steelers Still Need Asante Samuel Jr.

In a close divisional game versus the Bengals, rookie cornerback Daylen Everette played the entire fourth quarter in place of Asante Samuel Jr. At his Monday press conference, Mike McCarthy described the decision as largely driven by Everette's recent work and play, but he stopped short of explaining Samuel's absence in the decisive period.

McCarthy framed the change this way: Everette has been pushing to play, has shown the way he can perform in games, and has made plays in competitive two-minute situations — including back-to-back weeks with interceptions. McCarthy called the increased playing time a byproduct of Everette's progress and readiness.

The coach's comments addressed Everette's readiness but left unanswered why Samuel was off the field for the entire fourth quarter of a tight divisional contest. The story notes Samuel had a difficult afternoon, allowing two touchdowns and other coverage plays, but McCarthy did not link the substitution to a specific coaching judgment, injury, or tactical plan.

Separate film analysis and McCarthy's prior comments provide context: Everette saw limited snaps early in the season but then took a significant step up in Week 3. Film reviewers say he "held his own" against elite receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in his first extended action. McCarthy has also praised Everette's practice and special teams work, noting he's "doing a good job" and growing into a role.

• The coaching staff now appears willing to reward Everette with late-game responsibilities when he has earned them. That could accelerate his defensive role if he continues to perform.

• Depth considerations mean the staff will monitor rotations closely, especially while other corners recover or remain uncertain.

Track three items going forward: (1) whether Everette's snaps remain high in critical moments, (2) how Samuel responds in upcoming games, and (3) the health and availability of other perimeter defenders (Porter Jr., Ramsey, Echols, Dean). These factors will determine the Steelers' defensive balance and their ability to handle top receiving threats.