The Pittsburgh Steelers just pulled a move straight out of a chess match, officially activating cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to their 53-man roster. This isn’t your typical activation, though. Porter Jr. spent all of training camp and the preseason as a “hold-in,” meaning he was there, but not fully participating, all while waiting for a contract he still hasn’t gotten. This isn’t about an injury; it’s a bold play by the team, putting a player on the roster who hasn’t inked a deal yet.
Porter Jr.’s Contract Saga Takes a Wild Turn
Talk about high stakes! Porter Jr. has been a hold-in since camp started, literally sitting out as he pushed for a new contract. For weeks, the question hung in the air: would the Steelers give in, or would he miss time? Now, the team’s answer is clear: he’s on the 53-man roster for the regular season. This puts immense pressure on both sides. The Steelers are betting he’ll come to terms, and Porter Jr. is staring down the start of the season. What a gamble. It feels like a power play, and it definitely caught everyone off guard since he wasn’t cleared physically, but rather contractually.
A Massive Roster Overhaul for Week 1
Getting to that in-season maximum 53-man roster is always brutal, and the Steelers didn’t hold back. They made a ton of moves to shape their squad for the regular season kickoff. Fifteen players got waived, showing just how competitive these spots are. That list includes defensive lineman Kyler Baugh, defensive backs Devan Boykin, Sebastian Castro, D’Shawn Jamison, and Doneiko Slaughter, offensive linemen Steven Jones and Doug Nester, tight ends Lance Mason and Lake McRee, running back Lew Nichols, wide receivers Max Hurleman and Brandon Smith, defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow, and linebackers Julius Welschof and Jacoby Windmon.
On top of the waived players, five vested veterans were terminated from the roster. These are experienced guys, so it shows the Steelers are not messing around. Linebacker Malik Harrison, running back Travis Homer, defensive linemen Dean Lowry and Esezi Otomewo, and linebacker Elandon Roberts all saw their time with the team come to an end. It’s a tough business, and these roster cuts highlight just how much every single spot matters. Plus, defensive back DeShon Elliott and offensive lineman Jack Driscoll were placed on IR, but with a designation to return, so there’s hope for them later in the season. Defensive back Donte Kent landed on the reserve/PUP list. The Steelers released eleven players on Friday and two more on Saturday, making for a whirlwind of changes.
These moves are all about hitting that in-season roster maximum and getting ready for Week 1. Every decision, from activating Porter Jr. without a contract to letting go of veterans, is aimed at putting the best possible team on the field for the start of the season. It’s go time, and the Steelers just showed they’re not afraid to make the tough calls.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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