Tensions mount as Pittsburgh shifts the star cornerback’s status from injured to unconditioned, signaling a potential showdown over missed practices and unresolved contract disputes before Week 2.
Something has changed between Week 1 and Week 2 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Porter Jr. was listed as questionable to play the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 due to a back injury. The cornerback, who had a contract dispute with Pittsburgh, did not play against Atlanta.
The Steelers do not typically negotiate with players during the regular season, and the team expected the cornerback to do more at practice this week as they ramp up his activity.
Per the Week 2 injury report released on Wednesday, Porter was limited in practice but for a new reason--NIR/conditioning. In addition to Porter, Michael Pittman Jr. was limited with a foot injury, offensive tackle Troy Fautanu did not practice for an ankle issue, and tight end Darnell Washington was a DNP for a personal reason.
The Steelers are claiming Porter was a limited participant for something that is not injury-related. Pittsburgh's medical staff cleared him to practice before he was taken off the PUP list.
The Steelers could eventually press the issue, including threatening to fine or suspend the fourth-year cornerback if he doesn't return to play.
McCarthy said he hoped the Steelers would have a plan for Porter on Wednesday and would be able to do more on the practice field. Still, he'll need to get in condition to play at full force.
"My concern for Joey obviously is to get him to a spot no different than everybody else in training camp," said McCarthy, via the Steelers. "The first players that go through the first ramp-up period that aren't ready to go, they don't participate fully in the padded practice. So, I don't really see this any differently than that.
"As far as Joey's participation in practice, he's communicating with the trainer every day, he's communicating with the strength and conditioning coach, also his position coach Jason (Simmons), and Joe (Whitt Jr.) and Patrick (Graham). We'll get him out there when he's ready to go through a full practice."
As of Wednesday, Porter is not ready to go through a full practice. But the Steelers are clearly communicating there's no injury issue at this point.
