Joey Porter Jr. is already hitting the practice field with the Dallas Cowboys, and he’s not just feeling physically better, he’s feeling *valued*. The cornerback passed his physical and was out there with his new squad after being traded, a major piece of news that came straight from the Cowboys’ injury report.
The Back’s Back, But The “Value” Is Real
Yeah, his back has been an “on-again, off-again” issue, with the Steelers having ruled him out for their Thursday night game against the Browns. But suddenly, after the trade to Dallas, Porter Jr. says his back is “feeling better.” That’s quite the timing, huh? He’s openly hoping to make his 2026 debut for the Cowboys this Sunday when they face the Texans. “We’re just trying to take things day by day,” Porter Jr. told Todd Archer of ESPN after his first practice in Dallas, “and if everything looks good, then we should be out there.”
This is huge for the Cowboys’ cornerback depth. They’ve got Shavon Revel dealing with a right knee and right ankle issue, and Cobie Durant sidelined with a hamstring. Both are still not practicing. So, Porter Jr. getting on the field quickly could be a game-changer for Dallas’s secondary, providing much-needed immediate help.
“Value” Is the Name of the Game
But let’s be real, his back isn’t the whole story here. Porter Jr. was holding out in Pittsburgh, pushing for a contract extension that never materialized. That’s why he was inactive for the first three games of the season, essentially “holding in” for a better deal. Now, he’s landed in Dallas on the final year of his current deal, and he didn’t pull any punches about why. He straight up said that the Cowboys have shown him “value” that the Steelers simply didn’t. Talk about a statement!
It’s clear there’s a lot more than just a sore back behind this move. Porter Jr. feels appreciated by his new team, and that kind of motivation can be massive for a player stepping onto a new field.
So, will Porter Jr. actually make his debut this Sunday against the Texans? All eyes will be on that sideline to see if he suits up. If he does, you know he’s going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, not just to his new team, but maybe even to his old one. This Sunday is going to be wild.
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.
Leave a Reply