McCarthy made decision to hold Porter out Week 1

Speaking to media Monday, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said cornerback Joey Porter Jr. would not play until he completes his “ramp-up period,” which effectively leaves a potential return open-ended. As we understand it, Porter Jr. has yet to participate in a full practice, but is “communicating with the trainer every day.” McCarthy added, “We’ll get him out there when he’s ready to go through a full practice.” Porter Jr. missed the entirety of the offseason program with a back injury but is also seeking a new contract, with the potential that the discussions surrounding dollars has influence on the current situation. More to come in this developing saga.

It was trending this way after Porter Jr. missed all of training camp with a back injury; however, the Steelers had held out hope that the 26-year-old would be able to return to the field for Week 1. Unfortunately, it sounds like the issue preventing him from being on the field may be more about a new contract than his back. The Steelers will likely turn to Asante Samuel Jr. to take Porter Jr.'s role, and it might matter more if the Falcons weren’t starting Cooper Rush at quarterback. The Steelers’ other inactives are QB Drew Allar, QB Will Howard, OG Gennings Dunker, DL Kevin Jobity Jr., and DL Gabriel Rubio.

Porter Jr. missed all of training camp with the back issue, but, as Schefter notes, he has also been engaged in unsuccessful contract talks with the Steelers all offseason. Schefter immediately added, “The possibility of a trade remains in play.” It sounds like his Week 1 absence is almost entirely based on the lack of a new contract, meaning he could continue to miss games until that changes.

Porter remained limited all week. He also lacks a lucrative contract extension. Hopefully, both issues are remedied before kickoff. The Steelers’ D/ST could have a fruitful outing against a Falcons offense run by backup QB Cooper Rush.

Porter is still on track to play in Week 1 against the Falcons. Whether his limitations are truly injury-related or contract-related is anyone’s guess. The team will tell us his status tomorrow.

Porter Jr. missed all of training camp with the back issue, though it’s widely believed that he was simply holding in while negotiating for a new contract. The team is likely working him up to full speed with today’s limited session. He should be good to go by Sunday for Pittsburgh’s date with the Falcons.

According to Garafolo, the Steelers made an offer to Porter but it is “not good enough” for a contract extension to be imminent. This seems to be the first offer Pittsburgh has made to the 26-year-old, so there are at least negotiations happening. With both Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez getting top-of-market deals done, all eyes are on Porter as last among the big cornerback extensions to get done. Garafolo adds the Steelers will not negotiate into the season past Week 1, so both sides have a few days to get a deal done before talks are tabled until the end of the season.

Porter has been seeking a new contract from the Steelers all offseason, but all reports indicate the two sides are far apart on a deal. While Porter has been noncommittal about playing without a new contract, he was seen on the field during Monday’s practice and was activated from the PUP list last week. These encouraging signs, coupled with McCarthy’s confidence in him playing, are more than enough to suggest Porter will be on the field for the season opener on Sunday against the Falcons. Porter totaled 52 tackles, 14 pass breakups, and one interception last season while earning a PFF coverage grade of 74.1. Update: Steelers beat writer Nick Farbaugh later noted that McCarthy said the team will “see what happens” if Porter doesn’t play, while also adding that there are “definitely still business conversations” going on regarding an extension.

We haven’t had much in the way of contract beefs this offseason, but Porter Jr. seems ready to make up for lost time here. The Steelers CB spent most of training camp on the active/PUP list with a “back injury.” It seems like there’s at least a real chance he skips out on Week 1 to prove a point if he isn’t paid.

That could mean the team will have to hammer out a new deal with Joey Porter, Jr. before the season kicks off in less than two weeks. The Steelers recently activated Porter from the PUP list after he dealt with a supposed back injury in the offseason. Porter will most likely have to play out his rookie contract or hold out. He would be a big loss for the Pittsburgh defense.