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Steelers' McCarthy Noncommittal on Porter’s Return Timeline
Confirmed
In Short: Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy remains noncommittal about cornerback Joey Porter Jr.'s return to practice, amid ongoing contract negotiations and trade speculation.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is being noncommittal about the timeline for cornerback Joey Porter Jr.'s return to full practice, according to ESPN La Crosse. McCarthy stated that his focus is on getting Porter to ramp up his activity before he's ready to fully participate.
For now, the Steelers are waiting for Porter to get healthy, according to Newsweek. The cornerback was placed on the inactive list before the Steelers' 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Porter, 26, spent most of training camp on the active/PUP list due to a back injury that is keeping him out of the Steelers' Week 1 matchup with Atlanta.
Amid the back injury, Porter and the Steelers were in negotiations to give the 2023 second-round pick a contract extension. However, there has been chatter around the league that the Steelers could trade Porter this season. ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that the Steelers are open to trade inquiries.
Rival clubs began to wonder if the Steelers would consider shopping Porter as the summer progressed and it became clear the two sides were not making much headway on an extension. By Rory Parks at Profootballrumors, team sources relayed that the Steelers are done talking about a contract extension with Porter and will not have further discussions about a new deal.
Despite this, McCarthy remains publicly optimistic about resolving the situation. In a recent media address, Gerry Dulac reported that McCarthy stated, 'I would expect him to play' once his ramp-up period concludes. McCarthy is sticking to the narrative of a reported back injury for Porter, following Week 1, and claims that communication with Porter is positive and anticipates the star defender's return once he is fully cleared.
What's confirmed
- Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is being noncommittal about the timeline for cornerback Joey Porter Jr.'s return to full practice, according to ESPN La Crosse. McCarthy stated that his focus is on getting Porter to ramp up his activity before he's ready to fully participate.
- For now, the Steelers are waiting for Porter to get healthy, according to Newsweek. The cornerback was placed on the inactive list before the Steelers' 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Porter, 26, spent most of training camp on the active/PUP list due to a back injury that is keeping him out of the Steelers' Week 1 matchup with Atlanta.
- Amid the back injury, Porter and the Steelers were in negotiations to give the 2023 second-round pick a contract extension. However, there has been chatter around the league that the Steelers could trade Porter this season. ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that the Steelers are open to trade inquiries.
- Rival clubs began to wonder if the Steelers would consider shopping Porter as the summer progressed and it became clear the two sides were not making much headway on an extension. By Rory Parks at Profootballrumors, team sources relayed that the Steelers are done talking about a contract extension with Porter and will not have further discussions about a new deal.
- Despite this, McCarthy remains publicly optimistic about resolving the situation. In a recent media address, Gerry Dulac reported that McCarthy stated, 'I would expect him to play' once his ramp-up period concludes. McCarthy is sticking to the narrative of a reported back injury for Porter, following Week 1, and claims that communication with Porter is positive and anticipates the star defender's return once he is fully cleared.
What's still developing
- More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts On Monday, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said his concern for Porter is to get the cornerback to ramp up his activity before he's ready to be a full participant at practice.