Steelers Hope Joey Porter Jr. Returns for Week 3 Amid Injury and Contract Issues

Porter's Status Unclear Amid Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers hope cornerback Joey Porter Jr. can return to the field for their Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Porter has missed the first two games of the regular season. His potential return remains uncertain due to a back injury and his current physical conditioning.

According to reports, Porter's back has flared up whenever he has tried to run at full speed. The team has not been able to get his back to the physical state it needs to be in. The cornerback, who is 26, is considering getting a second medical opinion. The results of that second opinion will help determine if he can play next weekend. The Steelers want him back in time to face Cincinnati's star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Contract Standstill and Trade Rumours

While the Steelers believe Porter wants to play against Cincinnati, a contract dispute is complicating his return. Porter believes he deserves a lucrative new contract extension. Other teammates signed big deals during the offseason, but Porter and the team have not been close to an agreement.

The Steelers have a strict rule against negotiating contract extensions during the season. This standstill has raised the possibility of a trade.

Porter was ruled out of this Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He was limited in practice all week and left Thursday's practice early with a trainer.

His teammates continue to support him. Linebacker Patrick Queen said he respects how Porter handles his business. Queen stated that he is behind Porter 100 percent, regardless of whether the situation is about an injury or a contract.