Brandon Boykin told Justin Gilbert to hang in there.
Gilbert might not have to wait any longer.
As Dave wrote about earlier today, per an Ed Bouchette tweet, the Pittsburgh Steelers have seemingly put together a package for their newest corner this week.
Gilbert talked to reporters after practice and was asked if he would plat against Kansas City.
“I think. For sure. We have some packages for me to come in. Coach says I’m working my tail off so they’re rewarding me with this and letting me get some playing time.”
A poor work ethic was quickly associated with Gilbert during his time in Cleveland, someone who was late to meetings and not detail-oriented, but he has said he’s changed his habits. The fact the team is looking to get him involved may serve as validation to those comments.
So far, Gilbert has yet to see a snap on defense and only sporadic playtime on special teams, mostly as a jammer on punt returns. But given his talent and the injuries to the secondary, it makes sense for his role to be elevated.
It’s unclear exactly what that role will be. Putting him in the Steelers’ dime package would be the first thought though it’s unclear what happens to Artie Burns. If Robert Golden and Sean Davis are down Sunday, William Gay is the only slot-capable player on the roster, meaning he’ll have to stick there in dime.
Perhaps Gilbert will rotate with Burns given the rookie’s struggles as a tackler last week, though Gilbert’s ability there has offered mixed results.
He says the transition of going to a different organization was a little challenging at first but far from overwhelming.
“It’s a little bit different, new faces, took a while to get used to everyone. But so far, it’s been good. Nothing but positive energy from everyone in the secondary and on the whole team. It’s all been good. Positive vibes so far.”
