Joey Porter Jr. Eyes Week 3 Return As Injury And Contract Issues Linger

Injury Status and Week 3 Target

The Pittsburgh Steelers hope cornerback Joey Porter Jr. can return for their Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Porter missed the first two games of the season, and whether he actually plays remains uncertain due to conditioning and a persistent back injury.

His back flared up when he tried to move at full speed, and the team has not been able to get the injury where it needs to be. Porter is considering a second medical opinion. The results of that examination will help determine if Pittsburgh gets its standout cornerback on the field against Cincinnati receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Contract Impasse and Teammate Backing

Beyond the injury, business disagreements continue to hang over the situation. Porter believes he deserves a lucrative new contract, similar to deals several teammates signed in the offseason. However, the Steelers hold a strict team rule against negotiating contract extensions during the regular season.

With both sides at an impasse and never close to an agreement, a possible trade has come into play. Even so, the locker room remains supportive. Porter was ruled out for Sunday after leaving Thursday practice early with a trainer. Linebacker Patrick Queen stated that he is behind Porter completely, noting he respects how Porter goes about his business every single day.

What it means for the next game

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): New England Patriots win 68%, Pittsburgh Steelers win 32%; projected score New England Patriots 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 18. Our safest pick: Patriots to win.