Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones dropped a bomb on 105.3 The Fan Friday, declaring that cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is “all-in” with Dallas. That’s a strong statement, especially when you consider Porter has only actually played one game since landing in Big D. Jones was asked directly about concerns over a “hold-in” from Porter, and he was quick to dismiss it. But man, the facts on the ground tell a different story than just words.
The “All-In” Status Comes After Some Serious Drama
Before he even got to Dallas, Porter’s situation was already a whole mess. With the Steelers, he was inactive for four games due to an “on-again, off-again back issue.” And get this, he was reportedly unhappy because he didn’t snag a desired long-term contract extension before the season kicked off. So, when the Cowboys traded for him, they drew a hard line: no negotiations on a new contract this season. That’s a huge gamble, right? Bringing in a guy who just bounced from his old team over contract stuff, and telling him, “Nope, not talking money with you right now.”
Injuries Keep Porter On The Sidelines, Not “All-In”
You’d think after all that, Porter would be champing at the bit to prove himself and play every snap for his new squad. Not so fast. The minute he arrived in Dallas, that “on-again, off-again back issue” suddenly wasn’t an issue. Poof, gone! But then, he immediately picked up an ankle injury and an illness. Seriously? Since the trade, he has played in only one of two possible games for Dallas. He was flat-out sick with the flu in Week 5 against the Bucs, keeping him sidelined, and he’s now questionable for Sunday’s game against the Packers. Jones tried to smooth things over, saying Porter “wants to be out there” and was just “sick [in Week 5 against the Bucs],” couldn’t play “last week with the flu.” He insisted Porter “obviously played in our [Week 4 game against the Texans]” and is “fired up” to help the team against the Packers. We’ll see.
So, what’s Porter himself saying? He told everyone earlier this week that he expects to have a full-time role in the defense against the Packers. He *expects* it. Given his history, and his recent injury struggles in Dallas, “all-in” means being on the field, actually playing, and proving you can be a difference-maker. Sunday against the Packers is a massive game for Porter. He’s gotta show everyone that he’s truly “all-in” with more than just words.
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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