Pittsburgh Steelers fans experienced a moment of concern when rumors circulated about second-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. dealing with an injury. Leading up to the Steelers' final preseason game, Porter missed a couple of practices, and with no official reports on his status, the uncertainty grew. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin made it clear that he planned to play mostly every healthy player in the final preseason game against the Detroit Lions. However, when Porter didn't suit up, the worry among Steeler Nation intensified.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. going up against Seahawks' DK Metcalf.
In the lead-up to the game, there was little clarity about why Porter was being held out, with most assuming it was due to an injury. Steelers insider Brian Batko speculated at the time that it might be a minor issue but acknowledged that the lack of information left room for concern.
Batko addressed the situation in his Steelers mailbag on Thursday, where he provided an update on Porter. When asked if he was worried about Porter missing the game against the Lions, Batko admitted that he had previously hinted at a slight reason for concern. However, after gathering more information, he has now changed his stance, offering good news for Steelers fans.
"I’m not concerned about Joey Porter Jr.’s availability for Week 1. My sense is they were just being cautious with something minor for him."
It seems as though Batko, an insider, may have sought out additional information concerning Porter's injury. From the information he gathered, he doesn't appear to be concerned and believes that Porter will be available for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. gets ready to go against former Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
In his rookie season, Porter performed exceptionally and wasn't afraid to engage in some trash talk. He often faced off against the opposing team's best wide receiver and effectively shut them down. While he struggled with some penalties due to his physical play, Porter has instilled a lot of confidence in Steelers fans regarding his ability to elevate the team's secondary to new heights.
The cornerback situation in Pittsburgh is a bit challenging this year, as it's one of the team's few weak spots. Although the Steelers are strong in most positions, cornerback isn't considered one of them. Additionally, Cam Sutton's eight-game suspension didn't help matters.
The Steelers brought back Sutton after his legal issues led to his release from the Lions with the intention of having him start at nickelback. However, due to his NFL punishment, the Steelers will have to manage until he's allowed to play.
Steelers Cornerback Depth Raises Concerns
Aside from the obvious loss of a star playmaker if Porter were to miss time, his absence would put the Steelers in a difficult position due to the lack of experienced depth in the cornerback room. Donte Jackson and Porter currently lock down the sides, but there's already concern about who will start at nickelback. It appears undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. will be stepping into that role until Sutton is cleared to play.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. working out with the team.
Beyond Porter and Jackson, the Steelers have Cory Trice Jr. and Darius Rush—both promising but relatively unproven players. Trice, in particular, has shown potential, though an injury in training camp kept him out for the entire 2023 season.
He would likely serve as Porter’s backup, with Rush following. It would be far from ideal if Porter had to miss Week 1, but fortunately, Batko believes the Steelers were just being extra cautious with him. Porter is expected to be ready for the season opener against the Falcons.
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