Steelers' Defense Set For Huge Boost As Joey Porter Jr. Returns From Injury: "He'll Be Ready"

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently held a round of media availability prior to their Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns. When Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin came forward to answer questions, he gave an encouraging update regarding one of the Steelers' top players in the defensive backfield. 

This update is one that will surely excite Steelers fans after watching some of the previous displays on defense in recent weeks, particularly in the closing minutes of their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland. The Steelers have been struggling with injuries recently, but most noticeably, at the cornerback position. With the news given on Thursday, this situation will hopefully turn around in the Steelers' favor.

Joey Porter Jr. has been a standout lockdown defender for the Steelers ever since he was drafted at the top of the second round in 2023. He wasn't able to finish the Week 1 contest against the New York Jets with a hamstring injury, but practiced in full on Thursday. The aforementioned injuries have made a noticeable impact on the team's overall performance in the past few weeks, so getting Porter back will be crucial. Teams have been able to throw the ball all over the field on deep routes and find gaps in the coverage that have resulted in big gains for the opposing offenses. 

Prior to the game against the Vikings in Ireland, it was reported that safety DeShon Elliott was potentially going to play in that particular game as well. Unfortunately, Porter Jr. did not start that game, while Elliott did, recording an interception, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. Elliott's contributions in the win would prove invaluable to the team, however, Porter Jr. being absent from the lineup was definitely noticeable during particular moments in this game. Thankfully, news received this week should hopefully begin to turn things around.

Steelers' Defense Looking To Continue Growing In Week 6

This piece of news on Porter is rather encouraging, as Austin seems to imply that the young veteran defensive back will more likely see extended playing time against the Browns than not. His return gives a boost to a secondary that could certainly use the help on that side of the ball, especially when containing top receivers in the league or covering the lanes in which opposing running backs might use to get around the interior defensive line for big gains. 

Porter Jr. being slowly eased back into the rotation is also much more beneficial than throwing him back onto the field with a full workload, especially considering how he is still recovering from the hamstring injury. Giving Porter Jr. a full workload could lead to a reaggravation of the injury, causing him to miss even more time, or in the worst case scenario, it could result in an even worse injury that could potentially derail Porter Jr.'s entire season -- something that the Steelers' defense can't afford to have right now. 

The ultimate goal of the Steelers at this point should be to remain as healthy as possible, especially as the rest of the AFC North is dealing with critical injuries to star players. 

What do you think about the news that Porter Jr. will be eased back into the lineup upon his return? Let us know in the comments or on X at @SteelersSwamp7.

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