Patrick Peterson playing free safety for first time amid Steelers injuries, suspension

It sounds like the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting creative with their shorthanded secondary. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson are both dealing with injuries, and Damontae Kazee is suspended for the rest of the year after his hit on Michael Pittman a week ago.

Now, Pittsburgh is turning to an unlikely source at free safety: Patrick Peterson.

Peterson has spent his entire career at cornerback, starting with a standout college career at LSU through his now 12-year journey in the NFL. But with so many absences for the Steelers, he will now step into the free safety role when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

Suffice to say, he’s ready.

“I feel like this is a great move for me at this stage of my career,” Peterson said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Joe Rutter. “We have good corners who can be a cornerstone for this team. This could be my second career.”

At cornerback, Peterson has made eight Pro Bowls and is a three-time All-Pro during his career with the Steelers, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals. However, he stepped into the free safety position last week after Fitzpatrick left the game against the Indianapolis Colts with an injury, playing 30 snaps. He also did so in Week 9 for 18 snaps.

As he put it, though, it was just a taste of what the temporary switch would be like for Peterson.

“That was more of an appetizer,” Peterson said. “Now, I’ve got the entree.”

Mike Tomlin: Patrick Peterson’s ability to play multiple positions ‘has allowed us to function’

Peterson is in his first season with the Steelers, totaling 36 tackles and an interception through 14 games. The timing of his shift over to free safety comes as Pittsburgh is fighting for its playoff life. After starting the season 7-4, the Steelers have now lost three straight. That dropped them to 7-7 heading into Saturday’s game against Cincinnati.

But given Peterson’s versatility and his ability to play multiple positions, coach Mike Tomlin said it further shows why the Steelers signed him. With so much on the line, that skill set is going to be important.

“Position flexibility and his willingness and ability to do that really has allowed us to function,” Tomlin said. “But given a normal cycle in terms of preparedness, it’s going to be less of an issue.”

Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are getting ready to kick off Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC.