Cameron Sutton returns to Steelers from personal family issue, appreciates support

Cameron Sutton took a deep breath. Reflecting on the previous 72 hours had left him physically, emotionally and mentally tired.

"It's been a crazy couple days,” the Pittsburgh Steelers second-year cornerback said. "But it was important for me to come back and be with the team and obviously get the embracement of these guys and the coaches and the organization.”

Sutton returned to his native Atlanta area late last week to attend to a family medical issue. With the Steelers' blessing, he missed Friday's practice and Saturday's walkthrough. But the missed time led to the Steelers' decision to deactivate him for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

It was a decision Sutton understood, even if it perhaps stung more because Morgan Burnett (back injury) did not play so Sutton figured to have an increased role as the dime defensive back. Sutton, though, made it back for the game and was vocal cheering on the sidelines during what ended up a 33-30 loss.

"Obviously from a competitive standpoint I had the expectation to come back and play,” Sutton said, "but as a team aspect guys have been getting reps all week and obviously getting the physical reps as well. So, obviously it was best to put those guys in position to make plays and go out there and do what they do and what they have been doing all week and preparing for all week.”

Sutton was at the Steelers' UPMC Rooney Sports Complex and anticipates a normal week of practice, visibly relieved he was able to attend and help mitigate his family matter. With the status of Burnett up in the air going forward and the Steelers' thin at cornerback Sutton could be in line for an increased role.

Sunday was the first of 18 meaningful NFL games Sutton missed since he was activated off of injured reserve late last season. A third-round pick in 2017, for Sutton it felt good just to be back with the team in even a non-playing capacity.

"Being back around these guys… they always make any situation or anything better,” Sutton said. "They bring that light around you and it's fun to be around. They are a great group of guys to be around – inside of football and outside of it as well, and that's just a testament of how strong they are together. The players were behind me, calling me, texting me, each and every day, checking on me and everything.

"I am just glad I had the support of the organization to go down there,” Sutton said of his personal matter. "That just shows the power that we have and the bond that we have as a team. And now (he was able to attend to the matter), I can come back and be around these guys and get back at it.”

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Chris Adamski is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris at cadamski@tribweb.com or via Twitter @C_AdamskiTrib.