What You Missed With The Steelers Before Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first battle of the 2026 regular season kicked off on September 13 – against the Atlanta Falcons. The team headed into Week 1 with a few unresolved issues, and the contract with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. sits at the top. The roundup is below; see what you could have missed.

The Final Roster Excludes Some Big Names

Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL season with a traditional roster of 53 players. Cutting from 90 to 53 during August 29-30 was tough but also inevitable. Among the released players are Jahaime Bell, Greg Crippen, Jack Henderson, Brandon Hill, Daryl Porter, Isaiah Winstead, Jamin Davis, Elandon Roberts, Malik Harrison, Dean Lowry and Esezi Otomewo. 

This year wasn’t without trades. Offensive tackle Broderick Jones headed to Dallas to play for the Cowboys – they picked him up in exchange for draft picks. Meanwhile, running back Kaleb Johnson found a new home in Green Bay with the Packers. The Steelers have already published a depth chart ahead of their opener this Sunday (against the Atlanta Falcons). Still, according to McCarthy’s words, that’s not an official final decision. 

Why Did the Steelers Trade Broderick Jones?

Broderick Jones failed a tackle competition in the final year of his rookie deal, so a release or trade was quite expected. General Manager Omar Khan didn’t want to lose the guy for nothing, opting to get something back. So Jones is Dallas-bound now, with the Cowboys sending back a 2027 third-round pick. Plus, the Steelers return their own sixth-rounder.

But, truth be told, Broderick bounced between left and right tackle in Pittsburgh, never quite getting the runway to really show what he could do. He'd mostly been filling gaps: stepping in as the blind-side blocker whenever Dan Moore Jr. needed a break or covering for Chukwuma Okorafor. There were flashes in 2025, especially at left tackle, but a neck injury cut that momentum short.

Why Did Kaleb Johnson Move to the Packers?

Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers' third-round pick in 2025, moved to the Green Bay Packers after getting too few opportunities in Pittsburgh to prove himself. Packers' running back Josh Jacobs reportedly had off-field issues, which likely contributed to the trade for that position. The Steelers now pin their hopes on Jaylen Warren (RB1) and Rico Dowdle (RB2), according to the current depth chart.

Porter Jr.'s Contract Standoff Is Still Uncertain as Week 1 Begins

The situationship with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has become the training camp and preseason’s longest-running saga for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Where Do Things Stand With Joey Porter Jr.?

The Steelers have finally made a contact offer to their star cornerback on September 8, right before Week 1. Still, NFL insider Mike Garafolo explained that it’s not even close to a deal, at least yet. On the flip side, that’s already something after an exhausting period of silence which turned into months.

The delay, however, may play havoc with the Steelers, who probably missed the news that the cornerback market value rocketed to nearly $34 million per year. Days ago, Porter’s agency secured a four-year contract for Christian Gonzalez with New England worth $33.75 million. Porter Jr. and Gonzalez are on the same draft class, so he will likely expect a contract around that figure as well. 

Could a Trade Be on the Cards?

Unlikely. There was no word of any team being interested in Joey Porter Jr. Right now, all signs point to him playing the full 17-game slate, whether or not a contract gets signed before kickoff.

Who’s Already Locked In?

Keanu Benton and Nick Herbig got their contracts signed back in the summer, before the “negotiation doors” closed.

Why Were Benton and Herbig Extended Before Anyone Else?

Keanu Benton’s role has changed – he is moving to the defensive line and will get more reps as a three-technique. The coach believes this position suits him better. Linebacker Nick Herbig also has a signed deal. With these two, management reached agreements more easily and quickly.

Concerns Around Injuries

A few players were sidelined for multiple games because of injuries. These mostly revolve around neck, back, and hamstring issues.

What's Going On With Michael Pittman Jr?

Despite the hamstring injury, Michael Pittman Jr. says he's playing Sunday. He claims he feels good and is ready to prove it on the field. McCarthy will make the final decision on whether Pittman Jr. will play in this game. Otherwise, Jeremy Bernard will take the field based on the latest depth chart.

What About DeShon Elliott?

Elliott will miss 4 of 17 games, up until the game against Indianapolis. Mike DeFabo is confident that the starting safety has already recovered sufficiently from his knee sprain and tendon injury. That is precisely why this four-week delay seems puzzling. 

Is Max Iheanachor’s Right Tackle Spot in Jeopardy?

Iheanachor has missed almost all of the season's preparation; we saw him on the field only in the game against Buffalo. Dylan Cook had to come on as his replacement, and as of the depth chart published on September 8, he's ahead of Max at right tackle against the Falcons. The club’s management insists on the need to “get Max going”, while emphasising the importance of both players to the Steelers.

Where the Team Really Stands

Bookmakers believe the Pittsburgh Steelers have a decent chance of winning their first game. They offer odds implying a 63% chance of victory, as the game will be played at home. As for the rest of the season, expectations are pretty tempered – nobody's calling this team a playoff lock, let alone a Super Bowl favourite. Experts put their odds of reaching the Super Bowl at just 4.2%. If you are looking for sportsbook promotions and casino bonuses, it is best to focus on those tied specifically to the first game.