Why 1 Steelers move could mean Joey Porter Jr. doesn’t play on Sunday

Could the Pittsburgh Steelers miss cornerback Joey Porter Jr. on Sunday over the latter’s ongoing contract negotiations?

With Porter listed as questionable with a back injury for Sunday’s home opener against the Atlanta Falcons, the team has elevated defensive back Doneiko Slaughter from the practice squad.

What does this mean? Well, it could mean Porter isn’t going to play on Sunday. It’s very possible Porter could sit with stalled contract negotiations between him and the franchise, with Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET start time getting closer and closer without a Porter extension. Any back issue would heighten the odds Porter doesn’t play.

While Porter could always decide to play through the negotiations, any future injury would significantly dampen his leverage in getting the contract he wants. Especially if he’s actually nursing a back injury, the chances of him playing on Sunday seem to be getting smaller and smaller.

We have elevated DB Doneiko Slaughter to the Active/Inactive Roster from the Practice Squad. @BordasLawhttps://t.co/p7UGWRcdsW

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 12, 2026

Clock is ticking on Joey Porter Jr. and the Steelers pic.twitter.com/kc5QHg3LOX

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 12, 2026

Steelers fans might want to brace for Porter missing the first week of the season without a new deal.

Asante Samuel Jr. would be the likely candidate to start for Porter if he didn’t play.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why 1 Steelers move could mean Joey Porter Jr. doesn’t play on Sunday