Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden left his team's game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday with a foot injury and will not return.
The veteran suffered the injury in the second quarter. He spent time in the medical tent being evaluated by team personnel, then attempted to warm up on the sideline for an ostensible return. Haden went back to the locker room from there, though, the Steelers finally updating his status to out after initially listing him as questionable.
Haden entered the game with 23 tackles and four passes deflected this season. He was replaced in the lineup by backup cornerback James Pierre, an undrafted free agent in 2020. Pierre, a Florida Atlantic product, had 28 tackles, two forced fumbles and one interceptions coming into Sunday's action.
Haden, 32, signed a two-year, $22 million contract extension with Pittsburgh before the 2019 season. He'd approached team management about another extension before kickoff of the 2021 season, but ultimately decided to test the waters of free agency next spring.
The seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft, he began revitalizing his career with the Steelers in 2017 after spending his first seven seasons with the rival Cleveland Browns. Haden has played in three Pro Bowls, most recently as a member of Pittsburgh in 2019.
The Steelers are 5-3 in the regular season, fighting to keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens at the top of a highly competitive AFC North.