Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. Unlikely for Week 1

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is considered unlikely to play in the team's Week One game against the Atlanta Falcons. As of September 13, 2026, Porter Jr. is still without a contract extension and has been limited in practice all week due to a back injury.

Adding to the uncertainty, reports indicate Porter Jr. has requested a trade from the Steelers, with a mid-season trade being a very possible outcome. The exact timing of this trade request is unclear, but it appears to have occurred earlier in the offseason. Pittsburgh elevated cornerback Doneiko Slaughter on Saturday, potentially signaling Porter Jr.'s absence from the upcoming game.

It remains uncertain how much of Porter Jr.'s potential absence is due to his contract situation, his reported injury, or conditioning issues. He himself indicated earlier this week that any missed game would be a combination of his injury and conditioning. Asante Samuel Jr. is expected to start opposite Jamel Dean and will aim to contain the Falcons' top receiver, Drake London. The Steelers hope for Porter Jr.'s return in Week Two against the New England Patriots.