Steelers’ Patrick Peterson, a longtime NFL CB, enjoyed playing safety more than he ever has

After Thursday’s practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, a reporter asked Patrick Peterson if the Pittsburgh Steelers still intended to list him as a cornerback on their official roster.

“I think I’m still a corner,” Peterson said, with a smile.

“I’m like a joker in the deck of cards.”

During the Steelers’ most recent game Peterson played at outside cornerback more than any position. But, with All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick out because of injury, he also lined up as a free safety more than he ever has over a 13-year career.

According to Pro Football Focus, Peterson took 18 snaps at free safety, doubling his usage at that spot for the totality of 191 prior games in the NFL. Among the more than 11,000 career defensive snaps played since he came into the league in 2011, Peterson entered this season with 10 lined up at free safety.

He lined up eight times in the back of the defense during his first seven games as a member of the Steelers heading into last week’s meeting with the Tennessee Titans.

“It does feel different because I never had the opportunity to do it in any of the other places I was at,” the 33-year-old said. “Like I talked about early on when I first signed here, coach (Mike Tomlin) told me I would have opportunity to do that. My eyes just lit up because I want to be a ballplayer and be at any position they feel, and I feel can help the team be successful.”

With Fitzpatrick likely out again for Sunday’s home game against the Green Bay Packers and cornerback Levi Wallace back after an injury absence, Peterson’s reps at safety would figure to continue. The emergence of rookie Joey Porter Jr. as a starter has left the Steelers with an excess at cornerback. At least until Fitzpatrick’s hamstring heals, they have a need for snaps at safety.

A future Hall of Famer for his work as a corner, Peterson called it “energizing” to be embarking on a new role.

“I enjoy coming to work each and every day; I know it’s going to be something new for me,” Peterson said. “Like last week, coach gave me the (heads-up) that I’m probably going to be playing in Minkah’s position in those money downs. My antenna went up and I started smiling, cheesing ear to ear, now having opportunity to do that on the tail end of my career — something I always wanted to do — and now having an opportunity to do it for a storied franchise and a team that really relies on its defense, there ain’t no better feeling.”

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.