Joey Porter & George Pickens Injury Status Changes For Cowboys vs. 49ers

Dallas Cowboys corner Joey Porter Jr. has been in and out of the lineup on game days as he's struggled with injuries since coming to DFW via Pittsburgh in a pre-deadline trade that was viewed as a "blockbuster.''

But after he sat out the win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9?

Some critics started whispering about whether the deal was a "blockbuster'' ... or just a "bust.''

After all, the best kind of "ability'' is "availability,'' right?

And the harsh observations haven't just been about the injury issue; there's a conspiracy theory brewing as well.

Given Porter's contract situation, some on social media have decided to run with a narrative that Porter isn't putting all his effort into coming back because he doesn't have a deal in place beyond 2026.

That's illogical; Porter dogging it is no way to persuade a team to pay him $30 million per year next spring as a free agent.

And now he's speaking out on the subject.

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Porter was asked if his injury issue is in any way tied to his contract.

“No, I don’t even know where that narrative comes from," Porter said. "I mean, I get it, it’s the internet, but I really don’t pay attention to that or really care for that. My goal is to win games and play football. That’s what I want to do. So if there’s any chance I can get on the field, I’m going to get on the field and do what I do best."

Good. But ... what's his status for Week 10's San Francisco 49ers' visit to AT&T Stadium?

Porter on Friday was upgraded to "questionable,'' joining fellow standout George Pickens (hamstring), who was a full participant on Friday, as was DeMarvion Overshown (back/hamstring.) DaRon Bland has been added to the report with an ankle issue.

Porter played 51 snaps (77 percent) in a win against the Eagles but then just 36 (44 percent) in the crazy loss to the Cardinals. But he's been unavailable in two games.

"I really don't pay attention to the noise," he said. "I missed one game because of my sickness and then I miss one because I'm banged up. So, this football, is going to happen."

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In fairness, the Steelers suspected he was complaining of a back issue to start the season in order to force a trade. But all involved insist there is no such chicanery here.

"The whole foot is jacked up,'' Porter said of his foot/ankle problem. "I was playing on it for a while, and it just kept getting worse, to where I had to shut it down.''