The Pittsburgh Steelers could finally get Joey Porter Jr. back for the matchup he may want more than any other. Pittsburgh hosts the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, placing Porter across from Ja'Marr Chase if the cornerback receives clearance to make his 2026 debut. Chase is already anticipating the possibility of seeing his familiar rival at Acrisure Stadium. However, Porter is in the middle of a contract battle with Pittsburgh.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium.
Porter missed Pittsburgh's first two games after a back issue disrupted his training camp and created questions about his conditioning. He returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday with a non-injury designation for conditioning, but the Steelers have not promised that he will play. That uncertainty has forced Cincinnati to prepare for multiple versions of Pittsburgh's secondary.
Chase addressed Porter's situation Wednesday during his Chasing No. 1 podcast. The Bengals star did not pretend to know what has kept Porter off the field, but he sounded confident that the Steelers cornerback wants this divisional matchup. Steeler Nation has been patiently waiting to see Porter and the Steelers conclude on the contract front.
"I don't know what he's got going on," Chase said. "But I'm sure he wants to play us. I ain't gonna lie. I'm already knowing he wants to play us. He's probably going to make a decision by game time. If not, then he's gonna see us around the second game."
That was not a traditional guarantee or an angry challenge. It sounded more like one elite competitor recognizing the mindset of another. Chase understands that Porter built much of his reputation by accepting difficult assignments and refusing to hide from the league's most dangerous receivers.
The timing makes the remark even more compelling. Pittsburgh is coming home after an ugly 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots, while Cincinnati arrives at 2-0 for the first AFC North game of its season. Porter returning against Chase would immediately raise the intensity around a Steelers team that needs an emotional and competitive response in a pivotal divisional game.
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Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. watches on during training camp at Saint Vincent College on July 30, 2026.
It would also create a difficult football decision for Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Porter has not played a regular-season snap this year, so asking him to immediately follow Chase would be an enormous first assignment. Allowing him to return in a reduced role, however, might leave Pittsburgh's other cornerbacks exposed to one of football's most complete receivers. It also would not be the wisest idea to come back hurt and risk putting out bad tape -- all while you are trying to get paid top-of-the-market money.
Chase's wording added another layer to the situation without becoming disrespectful. He did not accuse Porter of avoiding the matchup, question the legitimacy of his absence or declare that Cincinnati would dominate him. Instead, Chase essentially acknowledged that Porter is too competitive to watch this rivalry from the sideline if he is physically prepared to participate.
Steelers Need Joey Porter Jr. For Tough Battle With Ja'Marr Chase
The first injury report offered measured optimism. Porter was limited because of conditioning rather than the back problem that followed him through the summer, which represents movement in the right direction. Still, limited practice work does not automatically mean he is prepared to handle a full workload against Chase and Cincinnati's passing attack.
Pittsburgh must separate the excitement of the matchup from the reality of Porter's readiness. Rushing him back and watching him struggle physically would help neither the defense nor his long-term outlook. Holding him out despite meaningful progress would leave the Steelers without their most natural answer for Chase.
Chase has now made his interest clear without crossing into manufactured trash talk. The decision belongs to Pittsburgh's coaches, medical staff and Porter, but the Bengals receiver has increased the anticipation surrounding it. If Porter walks onto the field, Steelers and Bengals fans will immediately know which individual battle deserves their attention.
Would you give Porter the full assignment against Chase in his first game back, or ease him into the Steelers defense? Send me your Pittsburgh thoughts on X at @anthonyghalkias, and follow me for more Steelers news.
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