Insider Blasts Steelers Handling of Joey Porter Jr.: ‘Spineless’

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing criticism for their handling of cornerback Joey Porter Jr., according to NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala. Porter, who was limited in practice on Thursday following his absence in the Week 1 home opener against the Atlanta Falcons, has been a subject of speculation regarding whether it's due to a back injury or the lack of a contract extension.

Kinkhabwala questioned whether the Steelers' approach has been "a little spineless" by only clearing Porter for practice due to conditioning, instead of medically clearing him. Porter first reported his back injury during training camp and did not return to the practice field until after the preseason. His absence throughout the preseason is suspected to be more about his ongoing contract dispute rather than his back injury.

Porter's season, however, was exceptional, with 14 pass deflections, 52 tackles, a sack, and an interception. If both parties cannot reach an agreement, the Steelers might have to let him go, but they would need a substantial return to part ways. Porter, the No. 32 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has accumulated 165 tackles, one sack, 31 pass deflections, and three interceptions in his professional career.