Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Falcons after being activated off the PUP list and working through a limited practice week. Porter was sidelined with a back injury for the duration of training camp.
Porter and the Steelers continue trying to reach a contract extension after a stalemate that has lasted throughout the offseason, with the team's negotiation window closing before the regular season begins under its policy of not negotiating contracts during the season. Porter said, "I mean, at this point we got, what, 42 [hours]? I don't know how many we got until game day, so it is what it is.
If Porter doesn't play or is unable to play, Asante Samuel Jr. is next up, listed on the depth chart beside Porter. Samuel, a former second-round pick by the Chargers in 2021, joined the Steelers midway through last season after being cleared to return following spinal fusion surgery for a chronic neck issue, and recorded an interception and one pass defensed in six games and three starts.
Porter, a 2023 second-round pick, has been a consistent starter in the secondary and has an interception in each of his three seasons. Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon and Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, both also drafted in 2023, have signed top-of-the-market extensions this offseason, with Gonzalez's four-year deal setting the bar at a $33.75 million average annual value.
Porter on Friday refuted reports that he wanted to become the highest-paid cornerback, saying, "I don't know where that came from. Whoever made that, I really don't pay too much hype into it."
