Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is unlikely to play Sunday against the Falcons because of a back injury, sources told NFL Network and ESPN. Porter has been embroiled in a contract dispute with Pittsburgh all summer, and the possibility of a trade remains in play.
There is no big-money contract extension for Porter despite the two sides negotiating up until the day before the season. Pittsburgh does not negotiate through the season, and the sides remain far apart on a deal. Sources say Porter, who had previously requested a trade from the Steelers, is open to playing elsewhere, and an early-season trade is very possible.
The Steelers have been open to listening to offers for Porter, sources say, but there has not been notable interest at Pittsburgh's asking price of a premium draft pick, possibly in the first round, and no serious trade talks have developed. Sources say those talks could pick up quickly as the season begins and injuries occur around the league.
Porter was recently asked about his availability for Week 1 and said, "I don't know. I would have to talk to the guys upstairs and my agents about that one." Asked Friday whether the contract situation affected his desire to be with the Steelers long term, Porter said, "No, I don't think so. I mean, at the end of the day it's business, and I know what that is and I got my head straight to understand that."
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said Porter is "working through the ramp-up stage" after not practicing all summer. This offseason, four cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie of the Rams, Denzel Ward of the Browns, Devon Witherspoon of the Seahawks and Christian Gonzalez of the Patriots, signed deals north of $30 million per year, but the Steelers have not been anywhere close to those numbers for Porter.
If Porter doesn't play Sunday, Asante Samuel Jr. likely would take on an elevated role for the Steelers against the Falcons. Samuel joined the Steelers midway through last season after being cleared to return to football activities following spinal fusion surgery for a chronic neck issue. The Steelers also announced Saturday that defensive back Doneiko Slaughter was elevated to the game day roster from the practice squad.
