31 Justin Layne CB

Layne was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

The 2019 third-round pick is hoping to compete for a depth role on defense after spending his rookie season on special teams. Layne is unlikely to start any higher than fourth on the depth chart, behind Joe Haden, Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton.

Layne was placed on the Steelers' reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

Landing on the list means Layne either tested positive for COVID-19 or has been in close proximity to someone who is infected. The 2019 third-round pick put together an underwhelming rookie campaign but is expected to be a key part of the team's special teams unit.

Layne recorded one tackle (solo) in Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Ravens.

The rookie defensive back finished the 2019 season with three tackles in 10 games. Layne played exclusively on special teams and should have a similar role in 2020 behind Joe Haden and Steven Nelson at cornerback.

The Steelers selected Layne in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 83rd overall.

Layne picked up hype as a potential high second-round pick in the days leading up to the draft, so for him to fall to Pittsburgh this late in the third round looks like a steal at first blush. The Steelers need corners that possess physicality and the ability to pounce in zone looks, and Layne appears uniquely qualified for such tasks. At 6-foot-2, 192 pounds and with long arms, he projects as a standout jam threat, and the combination of his 4.50-second 40, 37.5-inch vertical, and 134-inch broad jump demonstrates plus linear explosiveness. Layne only switched from receiver to corner just before his 2016 freshman season, yet he earned a meaningful role for Michigan State during that campaign before playing a starring role the last two seasons. He won't play ahead of Joe Haden or Steven Nelson this year, but he could be the long-term heir to either role.