Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has been putting in limited work in practice since the start of the regular season, but has yet to play in a game. But that could change soon, as Porter said he intends to take the field at some point during the 2026 season.
Porter would not commit to returning against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, though did say he was able to do “everything” in practice Thursday and that it went “smooth,” per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
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His comments — the first he’s made publicly since his contract deadline passed — were the first time Porter affirmed he would play for the Steelers this season when he was fully healthy.
Given the lack of extension, there was some thought Porter could look to sit out games until the Steelers caved, but it doesn’t sound like that will be the case.
When speaking about his contract situation Thursday, he said his lack of extension was “old news,” perhaps signaling he’s ready to move forward. As he spoke, Porter received words of encouragement from teammates DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker.
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It’s not just a matter of conditioning that is keeping Porter off the field. The cornerback is still dealing with a back issue that occasionally flares up. Because of that, Porter didn’t fully commit to a return date.
He did, however, address reports that he sought out a second opinion on his injury, calling them false. Porter also denied ever asking the Steelers for a trade despite reports suggesting that was the case.
Porter, 26, has been a standout corner ever since he was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting. While he hasn’t made a Pro Bowl yet, he ranked high in Pro Football Focus’ metrics last season.
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With his rookie deal set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, Porter was hoping for some long-term financial security from the Steelers ahead of the regular season. He didn’t get that, and will now have to prove himself for another year before that big payday comes.
