For the first time since his rookie pro season seven years ago, Cameron Sutton endured an absence from football of more than one game.
“It’s difficult, obviously, being out, not doing what you love to do,” Sutton said Monday from the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “Yeah, it’s difficult.”
It became a little less difficult for Sutton on Monday. He was permitted to participate in a practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time since the regular season began.
Reinstated by the NFL last week after serving an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, Sutton is back with the Steelers and eligible to play in Sunday’s game at the Washington Commanders.
“I’m excited to add to the cause,” said Sutton, who signed with the Steelers in June and participated in minicamp, training camp and the preseason but was prohibited from practice once preparations for Week 1 of the regular season began.
Sutton was back in the facility in recent weeks and permitted to work out on his own and attend meetings.
His suspension was in connection to an arrest warrant issued for him regarding an alleged domestic violence incident in March. Sutton was wanted by police for several weeks before eventually turning himself in. In the interim, the Detroit Lions released him one year into a $33 million, three-year contract they signed him to in March 2023.
Sutton reportedly entered a pretrial diversion program on misdemeanor battery charges.
Sutton did not discuss that situation Monday. But he did assert that he’s kept himself in enough shape that re-assimilating into the defense won’t be a problem.
“I’m ready to roll,” Sutton said. “So, whatever it is, whatever this (looks) like, ready to roll.
“I’m not injured. I’m feeling good. I’m ready to roll. Just whatever it looks like today, I don’t know what tomorrow looks like, I don’t know what all that looks like. Just living in the moment right now.”
Sutton spent his first six NFL seasons with the Steelers, a 2017 third-round pick who appeared in 84 games and made 39 starts. In starting all 20 games for the Lions last season, including their run to the NFC championship game, Sutton played outside cornerback for almost 90% of his defensive snaps played (according to Pro Football Focus).
Over his time with the Steelers, Sutton filled a variety of roles, as needed: outside corner, slot/nickel, in-the-box hybrid and even free safety.
“I play football, man,” Sutton said. “I don’t care what position it is. I could be on offensive line; I really don’t care. I play football.”
Following the lead of defensive coordinator Teryl Austin in speaking to reporters last week, Sutton did not provide any clue as to what role he will immediately step into for the Steelers.
The Steelers (6-2) have gotten adequate-to-above-average play from outside corners Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson, slot corner Beanie Bishop and a safeties corps highlighted by Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott.
“We’re going to try to work (Sutton) in,” Austin said last week. “He’ll play some slot. We know he’s got a jack-of-all-trades mentality. He has the ability to do it. We’ll play that by ear, see where he is physically, and go from there.”
It was generally assumed that Sutton was re-acquired to play the slot/nickel spot. Bishop, an undrafted rookie, has three interceptions over the past two games and has gradually appeared more comfortable in the role.
Austin said he doesn’t feel any need to “force” Sutton onto the field.
“We know he’s a good player. We know he’s a capable starter,” Austin said. “Our big thing is, let’s get him in, see where he fits and how he’s going to help us get better.”
Having earned a reputation as a cerebral player since his days in college at Tennessee, Sutton instantly has the trust of his defensive teammates — even those who did not play with Sutton in the past such as linebacker Patrick Queen.
An inside linebacker signed in March, Queen said he has “high level confidence” in Sutton’s ability to hit the proverbial ground running.
“Everything I’ve seen on film for him in the past and stuff, I know what type of guy he is: A physical cat, a guy who can cover,” Queen said. “Just the utmost confidence that he’s going to communicate real well.”