The Pittsburgh Steelers changed Joey Porter Jr.’s injury report designation to “non-injury/conditioning” on Wednesday. Before Steelers practice on Thursday, head coach Mike McCarthy was asked if that update meant the cornerback’s ringing back injury was resolved.
“I’ve never spoken on the back,” said McCarthy, who noted earlier in his news conference that Porter was scheduled to do more Thursday than he did as a limited participant Wednesday.
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But Porter — notably still embroiled in a longstanding contract dispute with the organization — was again limited on Thursday, and this time his “back” designation resurfaced on the injury report.
The 26-year-old corner left the field with a member of Pittsburgh’s medical staff during the portion of practice open to media, according to multiple reports Thursday.
It was reported this summer that Porter aggravated his back injury during a mobility workout on the first day of training camp. That landed him on the physically unable to perform list. In the lead-up to the season opener, which the Steelers won 20-13 against the Atlanta Falcons, Porter was activated off the PUP list.
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Even so, it was uncertain if Porter would play in Week 1. McCarthy cited the necessary ramp-up needed in the return-to-play process. Meanwhile, Porter’s contentious contract situation loomed, with the Steelers adhering to their policy of not continuing negotiations into the regular season.
Porter told reporters on Sept. 1 that he wasn’t sure if he’d play without an extension. Ultimately, he was inactive for Pittsburgh’s victory over the Falcons.
While Porter clearly has the support of teammates — fellow cornerback Jalen Ramsey said last month, “They’ve got to pay Joey Porter,” per The Athletic — the ongoing standoff between Porter and the franchise has sparked debate about potential trade scenarios.
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Porter is a key ingredient for Pittsburgh’s defense. The son of Super Bowl-winning Steelers linebacker Joey Porter, the Penn State product turned in an impressive 2025 campaign. He allowed only 29 receptions and 299 receiving yards on 60 targets, according to Pro Football Focus, which has him down for just one receiving touchdown allowed across three seasons in the league. Additionally, Porter piled up a career-high 14 passes defended last season, per Pro Football Reference.
Porter is due for a pay raise. The cornerback market was reset this offseason, with New England Patriots standout Christian Gonzalez receiving a four-year, $135 million extension that made him the highest-paid corner in NFL history. He leads all players at the position with an average annual value of $33.8 million, per Over the Cap.
Gonzalez is followed by Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks ($33 million AAV), Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns ($31.1 million AAV) and Trent McDuffie of the Los Angeles Rams ($31 million AAV), all of whom also earned eye-catching extensions this offseason.
