Injury Concern for Steelers Cornerback Joey Porter Jr

Another Setback for Porter Jr

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. left Thursday's practice early with an athletic trainer. This comes just days after he was medically cleared from a back injury that kept him out of training camp.

On Wednesday, Porter Jr. was listed as a limited participant because of conditioning. However, the team added the back injury to his status on Thursday's practice report. Porter Jr. was seen going through team stretches during the media viewing period. He completed at least one rep of a ball security drill before exiting the field.

Uncertainty Over Return

The cornerback missed the Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Mike McCarthy decided Porter Jr. needed more time to ramp up. He was supposed to increase his work this week, but his early exit raises questions about his fitness.

Before Thursday's session, McCarthy said he thought Porter Jr. had a good day on Wednesday. The coach added, "He did everything that he was scheduled to do, so hopefully we can make some progress today." McCarthy has not set a timeline for the cornerback's return or his availability for Sunday.

Porter Jr. is also dealing with contract issues. The former second round pick failed to reach an extension agreement before the team's regular season deadline. He is set to play the final year of his rookie contract, and the Steelers can franchise tag him in 2027. His teammates still support him. Linebacker Patrick Queen said, "I'm with Joe, whatever he's doing, whether it's injury, whether it's contract, whatever it is, I respect it."