Joey Porter Jr.’s availability for the Steelers’ Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons is still very much in question, and the signs are not pointing in the right direction.
For the second straight day, Porter was the lone name on Pittsburgh’s injury report, working as a limited participant because of a back injury. That issue first surfaced at the start of training camp and sent him to the PUP list before the Steelers activated him at the roster cutdown deadline so he would not be forced to miss the opening four games of the season.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has said all week that Porter is still in a ramp-up period, and nothing has changed on that front so far. He is still not practicing in full, and after missing all of training camp, there’s still no clear read on exactly where he stands in his progression.
He has one more day at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex to make a move forward, but at this point it seems likely he’ll carry a game designation on the final injury report of the week.
The larger storyline, though, is Porter’s contract stalemate with Pittsburgh. Negotiations are set to stop before the team takes the field in Week 1, which leaves less than three days for the sides to find common ground and get a deal done.
Even if Porter does sign a new contract, it is still unclear whether he would be ready to play. Based on how limited he has been in practice, his chances of suiting up appear to be slipping.
A hold-out still sounds unlikely given what Porter would stand to lose if he played out the situation without an extension, though it has not been completely ruled out.
The Steelers also have the upper hand here, especially with the franchise tag available to them next offseason. That gives Pittsburgh plenty of reason not to cave in talks with Porter’s camp.
Still, time is running short, and one way or another, this situation will be resolved before the Steelers officially kick off their season.
In Other News...
Steelers Suddenly Face A Mason Rudolph Decision They Didn't Expect
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Pittsburgh is reportedly open to trading Rudolph, and the Seahawks situation could make them a team worth watching if they want a seasoned option behind center. The Steelers currently have four quarterbacks on the roster, and with Seattle dealing with uncertainty under center, Pittsburgh may find itself weighing whether this is the right time to move a veteran or hold tight while the market sorts itself out. [Read more 🡒]
Aaron Rodgers Reignites Ugly NFL Media Fight On Cam Heywards Podcast
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Russini ultimately resigned from The Athletic, even as the outlets final report said her professional reporting was unbiased, and there are now indications she could try to return to NFL media. She also plans to speak publicly about the scandal, which keeps the story very much alive and leaves plenty of questions about how the fallout could shape both her comeback and the broader way football coverage handles its own controversies. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Opener Suddenly Comes With A Big Tua Concern
The Steelers season opener already has the usual early-week nerves attached to it, and now the spotlight has shifted to Tua Tagovailoa after a concerning moment at Falcons practice. During individual drills, Tagovailoa briefly reached for his back and sat down, then stayed on the field without throwing again during the portion open to reporters, leaving the situation a little murky heading into game week.
Atlanta has not offered an official update, and for Pittsburgh the bigger question is whether the quarterbacks status changes by kickoff. The Falcons have already named Tagovailoa their starter for the opener, with Cooper Rush next in line if needed, but until there is more clarity, the Steelers will be preparing for a game plan that could hinge on how that back issue responds. [Read more 🡒]