{
  "id": 11929363,
  "title": "Joey Porter Jr. expected to play for Cowboys in Week 4 after missing start of season with back injury",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/joey-porter-jr-expected-to-play-for-cowboys-in-week-4-after-missing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T13:02:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/joey-porter-jr-expected-to-play-for-cowboys-in-week-4-after-missing-start-of-season-with-back-injury-130252319.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who missed the beginning of the season with a back injury, is set to return for Week 4 after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers. ESPN reports that Porter is expected to play, though likely with limited snaps, as the Cowboys aim to minimize risk. Porter's return marks his first game of the season. The trade included a sixth-round pick and a second-round pick from the Steelers in exchange for Porter. The Cowboys did not list him as an injured player, indicating his availability for the upcoming matchup against the Houston Texans. While some speculate Porter was sidelined due to contract disputes, his limited snaps in Week 4 suggest legitimate concerns about his immediate impact on the field. The deal was finalized to resolve Porter's contract issues, as the Steelers typically do not negotiate during the season. With his rookie contract expiring, Porter's strong performance could lead to a lucrative extension from the Cowboys or another team once he reaches free agency.",
  "summary": "Joey Porter Jr. is feeling better after a mid-week trade to the Cowboys.",
  "key_points": [
    "Joey Porter Jr. returns for Week 4 after back injury",
    "Cowboys acquire Porter in trade from Pittsburgh Steelers",
    "Limited snaps expected for Week 4 against Houston Texans"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}