Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. is unsure if he'll play Week 1 if a new deal isn't in place

Joey Porter Jr. returned to practice after a back issue, but the Steelers cornerback would not commit to Week 1 without a new contract.

  • On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. returned to practice after recovering from a back issue, though he refused to commit to playing in the September 13 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons without a new contract.
  • The Steelers maintain a policy of halting contract negotiations once the regular season begins, leaving less than two weeks to secure a deal, while head coach Mike McCarthy recently described the current state of discussions as an impasse.
  • Heyward, a seven-time Pro Bowler, advised Porter not to take the situation personally while stressing he expects the cornerback to be ready; Porter acknowledged the difficulty but expressed gratitude for coach and teammate support.
  • General manager Omar Khan stated he wants Porter to remain in Pittsburgh for his career, though the team previously extended other 2023 draft picks like Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington as negotiations heat up before the deadline.
  • With Porter currently in a "ramp up" phase as McCarthy described, the team could potentially utilize the franchise tag next offseason if an extension remains elusive before the season opener.
Insights by Ground AI

18 Articles

Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Lean Left

Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. is unsure if he'll play Week 1 if a new deal isn't in place

Joey Porter Jr.'s back feels good enough for practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but contract issues are on his mind.

·New York, United States
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Fox Sports broke the news in Los Angeles, United States on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal