The Pittsburgh Steelers have been looking for capable, healthy bodies all season long. They have been dealing with all kinds of injuries since the very first conditioning drill of training camp. They have received plenty of good news over the last couple weeks on that front, however. This is the right time to get healthy, since there is just one week left before the playoffs. If they can get everyone back by Wild Card Weekend, they will have an advantage over whoever they face first.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. makes a tackle during Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns
The Steelers received more great news, as Joey Porter Jr. personally announced that he will play in the team's season finale. That is a piece of news that Pittsburgh desperately needed.
Joey Porter, Junior said he’s playing Saturday feels back to normal
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) January 2, 2025
Porter missed the team's Week 17 game due to an injury, and it has been obvious that the Steelers have missed his presence. His mere appearance on the field can completely change up an opposing offense's gameplan. Porter at full health is one of the most key players on this team, and it shows time and time again.
James Pierre has shown that he can be a decent backup, but he is not the right guy to start for an injured cornerback. Meanwhile, Cory Trice Jr. has shown flashes in the minimal time that he has played in, but he still has a little while to go before being ready to take over opposite of Porter. If he can avoid injuries, he could eventually become a starting caliber outside corner as well.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. gets hurt during a game against the Ravens.
As long as Porter isn't getting flagged repeatedly in a game, he is a problem for opposing receivers. He has not allowed a touchdown in 2024 yet, even though many of his average stats are worse than his rookie year. He is still great in man coverage, and he will need to be for Week 18 and the playoffs.
Steelers Get Some Bad News Along With The Good
Porter's partner in crime, Donte Jackson, announced that his injury concerns have come back, as he suffered "a setback" on his back. His status for the game against the Cincinnati Bengals is up in the air as of now.
Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (back) said he had a setback yesterday when he appeared on the injury report. He was able to do a little today in individuals but he’ll have to see how he feels for Saturday night. Considers himself day to day for now.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) January 2, 2025
Jackson has been dealing with pain all throughout the season. He constantly struggles to finish games, and he even missed the Week 16 game against the Baltimore Ravens, which was the same week that Porter got hurt in. Playing three games in 11 days is hard on its own, but it's even harder when you have lingering problems with your body.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Donte Jackson celebrates with his teammate TJ Watt after a huge play.
When Jackson is on the field, he is a big play machine. He is among the league leaders in interceptions, with five for the season. He is officially tied for sixth in the NFL in that category. As mentioned before, both backups are not quite ready to take over as a starter yet, so they need Jackson to be healthy, especially against a tough Bengals offense.
Porter and Jackson complement each other's roles perfectly. Porter shuts down his receiver, forcing the quarterback to look elsewhere. That creates more chances for Jackson to make a play on the ball and secure an interception. When the duo is healthy and on the field, they can truly be a nightmare for anyone trying to throw the ball on them.
Even though the Steelers could really use the momentum boost from a win to end the season, they may want to rest Jackson. He has been dealing with the pain all season long, so they might sit him to make sure he is 100% for the games that matter the most.
What do you think about the injury updates for the Steelers' cornerbacks? Let us know in the comments.
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