Joey Porter Jr. was the only rostered Steelers player ruled out in Week 1, missing the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons with a back injury. What makes this even wilder is Porter spent much of the summer on the Physically Unable to Perform list for that same injury, all while pushing for a contract extension. He even said he wouldn’t rule out sitting games if a deal wasn’t done by Week 1, and we all know the Steelers don’t negotiate in season. So, was his absence *really* just injury related?
McCarthy Takes Responsibility (Sort Of)
Head coach Mike McCarthy faced a ton of questions about Porter’s situation the day after their win over Atlanta. McCarthy, though, was quick to own the decision to keep Porter sidelined. “It was my decision , I’m in charge of the 48,” he stated. McCarthy framed it as a player still ramping up physically after missing so much time. He said he saw it no different than any other player in training camp who didn’t fully participate in padded practice and just isn’t ready to go.
The Business of Football is Complicated
McCarthy definitely acknowledged the contract angle, calling it “a whole other topic” and a “business component.” But he made it clear that, for him, the immediate concern is getting Porter ready to practice fully. Porter is reportedly communicating daily with the trainers, strength and conditioning coach, and position coaches Jason Simmons and Joe Whitt Jr., as well as defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. McCarthy didn’t have a medical update Monday, saying he hadn’t met with the training staff yet. Still, he’s hoping for “a good plan for him for Wednesday” and that Porter will “do more.” It is interesting, though, that when asked how Porter’s press-man specialist skills would fit given the Steelers played exclusively zone coverage against the Falcons’ drop-back pass game, McCarthy just flat out said, “Great question, that I’m not gonna answer.” He did add that Porter has looked good in recent practices, even doing a couple of one-on-one drills last Thursday. This whole thing is a total headache, right? Let’s hope we see Porter on the field soon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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