The Pittsburgh Steelers’ most notable move before setting their 53-man roster wasn’t a trade, a waiver claim, or a surprise cut. It was the decision to activate cornerback Joey Porter Jr. off PUP, giving him a path to play in the first four games of the season if he’s ready.
That’s the move ESPN highlighted when it looked at the biggest roster developments for each team on Monday, and for Pittsburgh, Porter’s status was the one that stood out.
The situation is a little tangled. Brooke Pryor of ESPN wrote, "Porter was placed on the list after aggravating a back injury during a mobility workout on the first day of training camp, but coach Mike McCarthy recently referred to him as dealing with a 'business situation' as the 2023 second-round pick and the team worked through a stalemate in extension talks," Brooke Pryor of ESPN states in the piece.
Pryor also noted, "Though activating Porter off PUP doesn't signal an impending extension, or that Porter will return to practice, he now has the option to return to the field ahead of the season."
If the Steelers do want to get a deal done with Porter, the clock is working against them. Pryor pointed out they would have two weeks to finalize something, since the Steelers don’t negotiate contracts during the season.
For now, the key development is simple: Porter is off PUP, and that keeps the door open for him to get back on the field sooner rather than later.
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Steelers Made A Preseason O-Line Move Fans Did Not See Coming
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For Pittsburgh, the Jones deal stands out because it trims away tackle depth at a time when the line is already under the microscope, even as the front office adds more draft capital for the future. The Cowboys sent back third- and sixth-round picks, and the Steelers also included a fourth-round pick in the transaction, leaving the roster with a different look and a few more questions about how the tackle spots will be covered going forward. [Read more 🡒]