Steelers Eye Week 3 Return for Joey Porter Jr. as Back Injury Lingers

Pittsburgh is planning for Joey Porter Jr. to potentially debut this season against the Cincinnati Bengals following a two-game absence.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are targeting a Week 3 return for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. when the team faces the Cincinnati Bengals, according to sources told by ESPN. Porter has missed the first two games of the regular season and was ruled out for this Sunday’s road matchup against the New England Patriots. Though he was listed as a limited participant in practice throughout the week, the 26-year-old veteran left Thursday's session early accompanied by a team trainer.

Porter’s availability for next Sunday remains uncertain due to a back injury that reportedly flares up when he attempts to reach full speed. The four-year veteran is currently considering a second medical opinion to address the ailment. If cleared, the Steelers intend to utilize Porter to defend Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Beyond the physical injury, Porter and the Steelers are at a stalemate regarding a new contract. While Porter seeks a lucrative extension similar to deals signed by teammates this offseason, the organization maintains a rule against negotiating extensions during the season. This impasse has introduced the possibility of a trade, as the two sides have not neared an agreement. Linebacker Patrick Queen expressed support for Porter on Thursday, stating the locker room does not view the situation as a distraction.