JPJ to Seek Another Opinion; Steelers Expect Him Back vs. Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers must first tangle with the New England Patriots, but Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are on the horizon. Mike McCarthy’s team hopes to have standout young cornerback Joey Porter Jr. back for next week’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he might seek another opinion on his back injury.

“Porter’s back, according to a source, has ‘flared up when he’s tried to go full speed, and they haven’t been able to get it where it needs to be,'” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote Sunday morning. “Porter has been considering getting a second opinion on his back.”

Porter has been dealing with the ailment since the beginning of training camp as he waits on a new deal, but the Steelers don’t talk contracts during the season, which leaves the two sides at a stalemate that likely won’t be figured out for a while.

Joe Whitt Jr. insists that Porter is engaged behind closed doors, despite not taking the field over the first two weeks.

“The guy has been really good in the meeting room all the time,” the Steelers’ assistant head coach/defensive backs coach said after Friday’s practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “They have a great rapport, the whole group, and he’s just part of the group.”

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