Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. drama takes ugly turn ahead of Browns game

This is getting ridiculous. After the Pittsburgh Steelers listed Joey Porter Jr. (NIR/conditioning) as an estimated full participant in practice walkthroughs on Monday and Tuesday, the team all but challenged the intelligence of fans with a new update ahead of Week 4.

Courtesy of Wednesday’s practice report, Porter was downgraded to limited participation, and a back injury designation was once again added to his status. Oh, but that wasn’t all, as the Steelers subsequently ruled Porter out for the Week 4 Thursday Night Football game against the Cleveland Browns.

Steelers have ruled out CB Joey Porter Jr. for Thursday night’s game vs. the Browns due to his back issue.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2026

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Porter missed the entirety of training camp after being placed on the physically unable to perform list with a back injury. But many speculated the decision had more to do with contractual issues, specifically a refusal to play out the final year of his rookie deal, than an actual health setback for Porter.

At this point, it’s beginning to look more and more likely that Porter won’t suit up for the Steelers in 2026. Porter could continue to maintain that his back issue is keeping him from practicing, while the Steelers continue to play this symbolic game of chicken each week.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. drama takes ugly turn ahead of Browns game