Is Joey Porter Jr. Playing? Cowboys Bench Starter, Make 'Controversial' CB Call at Packers On Sunday Night

The Dallas Cowboys' recent trade for Joey Porter Jr. has resulted in one game featuring a high level of performance, and one game featuring a high level of pseudo-controversy.

The former Steelers cornerback played a key role in a Week 4 win at Houston just a few days after being acquired by Dallas. But in Week 5, he was scratched just before kickoff in what would be an upset loss to Tampa Bay due to an illness that all involved said caused him to be sent home from AT&T Stadium.

"I really just couldn't hold anything down, I just kept throwing up," Porter said. "I tried to fight through. I tried to take a nap before the game just to shake it off, but I just couldn't hold anything down. So, that's when they made the call to send me home."

And this week? He sustained a mild ankle injury in practice in preparation for tonight's game at Green Bay. Add it all up and cynics - especially those in Pittsburgh, where he sat out the first three games of the year with a supposed back issue while also protesting his contract situation - wonder if he's faking it.

Our answer: That wouldn't make any sense; he's in the final year of his existing contract and vying for a big payday in 2027; how would sitting out with a bogus injury help him?

The Cowboys' answer? He's active for the Packers game.

There are other injury issues here. Dallas early on ruled out cornerback Cobie Durant and offensive tackle Drew Shelton for Sunday night’s game at the Packers, and later listed linebacker DeMarvion Overshown as out.

And now comes word that rookie EDGE Malachi Lawrence is starting, meaning Donovan Ezeiruaku is being pushed to the bench.

Porter appeared on the report with an ankle injury. He was limited Wednesday, a full participant Thursday, and limited again Friday.

But defensive coordinator Christian Parker said Thursday that Porter’s workload would be heavily increased this week. ... and the 2-3 Cowboys need him against a 3-2 Packers team that leans on QB Jordan Love throwing the deep ball.

Meanwhile, on offense, tackle Tyler Guyton and receiver CeeDee Lamb are good to go.

So is cornerback Shavon Revel, who might help out a defense that in this Week 6 matchup could also feature some changes in the EDGE rushing group.

Green Bay ruled out defensive tackles Jonathan Ford and Javon Hargrave, receiver Skyy Moore, and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. 

But the most notable absence will be that of Micah Parsons, who is recovering from a torn ACL after his controversial trade from Dallas last summer.

Kickoff at Lambeau Field is set for 7:20 p.m. CT on Sunday on NBC.