Joey Porter Jr. is back on the practice field this week for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a welcome sight as the team’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons looms less than two weeks away. But don’t let the uniform fool you, this situation is far from settled, with a major contract “impasse” still hanging heavy over the star cornerback.
Back On The Field, But With A Catch
It’s a huge relief for Steelers fans to see Porter Jr. activated from the PUP list. He’d been MIA for the entire training camp thanks to a nagging back injury, and honestly, you gotta wonder how much that held up his early season prep. Coach Mike McCarthy, the man calling the shots, didn’t mince words, confirming Porter Jr. will “definitely” hit the practice field today. But McCarthy also stressed that for any player stepping in for the first time this season, there’s a “ramp-up type of process to it.” It’s not just flipping a switch, is it? He said they’ll be watching Porter Jr. closely to see where he’s at. When pressed on if Porter Jr.’s side work during camp means he’ll be Week 1 ready, McCarthy sounded cautious. This “ramp-up” phase, he explained, is exactly what will tell us if Porter Jr. can be up to speed by the opener. He’s been working with the medical team, so there’s a process, an understanding of his injury, and he’ll be treated just like any other player needing to ramp up to full speed. Can he get there in time for the Falcons? That’s the million-dollar question.
Money Talks, And Porter Jr. Isn’t Happy
Here’s the real kicker: while he’s physically back, the contract situation is still a mess. Just this past weekend, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler dropped a report that Porter Jr. is pretty upset about how the Steelers have handled his deal, especially since other guys from his 2023 draft class have already been paid. You can imagine the frustration there, right? You put in the work, you perform, and you see your peers get theirs while you’re still waiting. Financially, it makes zero sense for Porter Jr. to sit out any regular season games, even without a new deal. That’s just money left on the table. So, he’s showing up, he’s practicing, abiding by McCarthy’s rule that if you’re healthy, you’re expected to be on the field. But don’t mistake that for happiness. This star corner is still seriously unhappy with his contract.
This is a real tightrope walk for the Steelers. They’re under two weeks from their season opener against the Falcons. Having Porter Jr. on the field is massive, but the lingering contract dispute could easily be a distraction, affecting not just his play, but the team’s morale too. You’ve gotta wonder how quickly they can get this “ramp-up” done and if they can smooth things over with the contract. The early season hinges on it.
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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