Steelers rookie UDFA may have just wrapped up a starting role thanks to something out of his control

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have an issue on their hands.

One of the most important positions in their defensive scheme, the slot CB, is currently on tap to be manned by a rookie.

Not only a rookie but one that went undrafted.

Yet following a suspension of would-be starter Cam Sutton, and an unfortunate injury to potential starter Grayland Arnold, things have aligned for Beanie Bishop to take the bull by the horns.

And if you think he's letting go, think again.

Stars Aligning for Beanie Bishop

“Beanie was a little bit limited on our last workday here on Thursday against Buffalo, so we didn’t want a small problem to become a big problem,” Coach Tomlin said when asked why Bishop was a surprise nonactive ahead of Saturday's game. “Obviously the sand’s going through the hourglass and he’s got a big week ahead of him, but we didn’t want to jeopardize or compromise that, so we did what we thought was prudent tonight and did not allow him to participate."

Now you can't discount Thomas Grahaam Jr. just yet and Pittsburgh could always sign or trade for a veteran nickel defender, but between the situations that have given way to his starting role, and his play itself, it feels like Pittsburgh has their answer at slot CB via Beanie Bishop.

And for Coach T to take such precautions with him, tells you how much they value his worth.

All rookies, but especially undrafted ones need reps. If Pittsburgh is playing it that safe with Bishop, it's because he's going to be the starter, something he believes he's more than ready for.

"The chip never leaves my shoulder," Bishop told reporters following his Steelers debut. "Even when I get done playing, I will always have the chip on my shoulder just because of the way that I grew up and things like that. It's just something that never leaves me...

"...It's football. I've been playing football since I was four years old. Obviously, this is at a much higher level. Guys get paid."

Since joining the Steelers you could see that Bishop has an edge to him. In interviews, in the huddle, during practice, he just plays and carries himself like a nickel should. Fiesty, competitive, and ready to scrap whenever, wherever.

It was likely that mentality that drew the Steelers front office towards him, and it's the same mentality that has him heading into the season as a starter at one of Pittsburgh's most prized positions.

Related: Steelers Stock Watch: Multiple offensive starters create cause for concern during Week 2 of preseason