Steelers Elevate Jack Driscoll, Daryl Porter Jr. Ahead of Lions Matchup
As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for a tough road test against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, they’ve made a pair of key roster moves to reinforce two critical areas: the offensive line and the secondary. On Saturday, the team elevated offensive lineman Jack Driscoll and defensive back Daryl Porter Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster.
Let’s start with Driscoll. This isn’t his first call-up - he was also active for last week’s win over the Miami Dolphins.
A 2020 fourth-round pick, Driscoll brings some serious experience to a unit that’s been battling attrition lately. After spending five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, he’s logged 67 games and 18 starts in his career.
That kind of veteran presence is exactly what Pittsburgh needs right now, especially with the depth chart getting thin. The situation has become so stretched that Dylan Cook, originally a fourth-stringer, has seen action at left tackle.
Driscoll’s versatility and experience make him a valuable insurance policy, especially against a Lions front that’s physical and relentless. Whether he sees the field or remains on standby, his presence gives the Steelers a bit more breathing room in the trenches.
Now, let’s talk about Daryl Porter Jr., who’s set to make his NFL debut. Porter is a young defensive back who’s had an interesting journey to this point.
He signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent earlier this year but didn’t stick through training camp. Pittsburgh saw something in him and brought him in, and now he’s getting his shot.
Porter’s college resume is solid. He began at West Virginia before transferring to Miami, where he became a two-year starter for the Hurricanes. Across both programs, he tallied 108 tackles, 18 passes defended, and one interception - numbers that speak to his ability to contribute in coverage and in run support.
His elevation comes at a time when the Steelers are noticeably thin at cornerback. Last week, they were forced to get creative in the secondary, with starting safety Jalen Ramsey being the only player able to slide up and fill in.
James Pierre missed the game against Miami with a calf injury, and he’s been ruled out again this week. That opens the door for Porter to potentially see meaningful snaps, depending on how the game unfolds.
For Pittsburgh, these moves aren’t just about filling spots - they’re about shoring up areas that could be tested heavily against a Detroit team that’s shown it can challenge defenses vertically and bring pressure defensively. Whether Driscoll and Porter end up playing major roles or simply provide depth, their presence could be a quiet but crucial part of the Steelers’ game plan heading into Sunday.