Steelers news: Insider uses Tomlin to call BS on Joey Porter Jr. coming back for Week 3

September 22, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are hopeful that cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will return for their Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, this optimistic timeline clashes with the reality of his ongoing back injury and a contract dispute. Sources indicate that Porter’s back issues flare up when he tries to go full speed. Additionally, both sides have reached an impasse due to the franchise’s strict policy against in-season contract extensions, leaving his physical rehabilitation and business frustrations casting a heavy shadow over the defense.

This complicated situation has ignited heated discussions about the lack of transparency within the organization. Pittsburgh insider Mark Kaboly expressed his concerns during a recent media appearance, criticizing the franchise’s official narrative and raising doubts about whether a genuine medical issue is the real reason behind Porter’s absence. Kaboly suggested that the team may have inadvertently created a public relations dilemma by labeling Porter’s issue as a back injury during training camp instead of acknowledging it as a contract hold-in. This has left analysts questioning the timeline for his expected return.

Joey Porter Jr. hasn't gone through a full practice all year. He's in a contract dispute. And he's going to decide his first game back is against Chase/Higgins/Burrow? pic.twitter.com/ymAvMJMHjj
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— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) September 22, 2026

As uncertainty grows in Pittsburgh, rival front offices are closely watching to see if the relationship between Porter and the Steelers can be repaired. Betting odds on Bet Online currently favor the Detroit Lions at +200 to acquire Porter if the Steelers decide to trade him, especially in light of recent injuries to Detroit’s secondary.

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