Joey Porter Jr. Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Steelers vs Bears game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 11, 2025
Quiet night in Week 10 loss
Porter logged zero tackles and a pass defense during the Steelers' 25-10 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Sunday marked the first time since Week 18 of the 2023 season that Porter failed to record a tackle. The third-year corner has 22 tackles (17 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and 10 pass defenses (one interception) through six regular-season games.
Nov 4, 2025
Logs sack, interception in Week 9
Porter logged eight tackles (six solo), including 1.0 sacks, and four pass defenses (one interception) during the Steelers' 27-20 win over the Colts on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
It was a busy day for Porter, whose eight stops were second most on the Steelers behind Payton Wilson (14). Porter was credited with the first sack of his NFL career early in the third quarter, and he helped the Steelers seal the victory late in the fourth quarter, when he picked off an overthrown pass from Daniel Jones intended for Alec Pierce. Porter has logged 21 tackles (16 solo) and nine pass defenses in the four games since Pittsburgh's Week 5 bye.
Oct 8, 2025
Healthy coming off bye
Porter (hamstring) practiced in full Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter hasn't suited up for a regular-season game since Week 1, but he appears to have emerged from Pittsburgh's bye in Week 5 fully healthy. The starting cornerback looks set to return to the lineup Sunday against the Browns. That will provide a notable boost for the Steelers' secondary, especially if Jalen Ramsey (hamstring), who is not practicing Wednesday, is unable to play or has his snaps managed.
Sep 28, 2025
Sitting out in Ireland
Porter (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings in Dublin, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter will miss his third straight game due to the hamstring injury, which had limited him in practice throughout Week 4 prep. With Porter sidelined again, the Steelers will likely go with Brandin Echols as a starting cornerback on the perimeter opposite Darius Slay, while Jalen Ramsey serves as the team's slot corner.
Sep 26, 2025
Questionable for Week 4
Porter (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Vikings, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter has missed the Steelers' last two games after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 1 win over the Jets. However, he practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week, giving himself a chance to suit up Sunday. If Porter is able to return in Week 4, he's expected to start opposite Jalen Ramsey to form Pittsburgh's top outside cornerback duo.
Sep 24, 2025
Opens week with limited practice
Porter (hamstring) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter hasn't played since he injured his hamstring in Week 1 against the Jets. He hadn't even practiced since that contest, so his return to the field as a limited participant Wednesday suggests that he's making progress in his recovery. According to DeFabo, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Porter has a chance to suit up against the Vikings on Sunday.
Sep 19, 2025
Out again for Week 3
Porter (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Porter suffered the injury in Week 1 against the Jets and will now miss his second straight game. Brandin Echols will once again fill in at cornerback alongside Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay.
Sep 12, 2025
Ruled out for Week 2
Porter (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
After injuring his hamstring in last Sunday's Week 1 win over the Jets, Porter logged a trio of DNPs this week and will miss at least one contest. Brandin Echols is expected to be the next man up at cornerback for Pittsburgh alongside Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey.
Sep 11, 2025
Doesn't practice Thursday
Porter (hamstring) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter missed a second consecutive practice due to a hamstring injury that he picked up during the Steelers' Week 1 victory over the Jets. Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism that Porter won't miss time due to the injury, but the third year corner will likely have to practice in at least a limited capacity Friday to have a chance at suiting up against the Seahawks on Sunday. Brandin Echols and James Pierre would be the top candidates to work alongside Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey in the Steelers' secondary if Porter is not cleared to play.
Sep 10, 2025
Not practicing Wednesday
Porter (hamstring) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter was forced out of Sunday's game against the Jets early after he picked up a hamstring issue, and now his availability for Week 2 is in doubt. He'll probably have to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to give himself a chance to suit up versus the Seahawks.
Sep 7, 2025
Dealing with hamstring issue
Porter is dealing with hamstring tightness after Sunday's 34-32 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Porter was limited down the stretch in the contest, ultimately recording one solo tackle against New York. The cornerback's status will be worth monitoring at practice this week ahead of the team's Week 2 matchup with the Seahawks at home Sept. 14.
Aug 22, 2025
Plays nine snaps Thursday
Porter (hand) played nine defensive snaps during Thursday's preseason win over the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Porter had and the first-team defense had their reps limited Thursday, so he and fellow starting cornerbacks Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey were all limited to just nine snaps. That activity confirms, though, that Porter has fully recovered from the hand injury that hampered him earlier in training camp. Pittsburgh's secondary unit looks like one of the best in the league and is slated to enter Week 1 against the Jets on Sunday, Sept. 7 in good health.
Aug 5, 2025
Returns in limited capacity
Porter (hand) participated in Tuesday's training camp practice as a limited participant, Chris Ward of Steelers Now reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter missed the last three practices due to a hand injury, but he was cleared to wear pads Tuesday and participate in individual drills. Given that he doesn't have the green light to work in team drills, the 2023 second-rounder is trending toward being sidelined for the Steelers' preseason opener against the Jaguars on Saturday. The absences of Porter and Cory Trice (hamstring) have given Brandin Echols and Beanie Bishop the opportunity to rotate in with the first-team defense alongside Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey.
Aug 2, 2025
Sits out practice Friday
Porter was held out of practice Friday due to an undisclosed issue, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter was present at practice but was in street clothes, per Pryor. The specific reason for his absence hasn't been shared, but he was running around Friday and doesn't appear to be dealing with anything serious, according to Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com.
Jan 21, 2025
Maintains big role in second season
Porter totaled 70 tackles (53 solo) and seven pass defenses, including an interception, over 16 regular-season contests in 2024.
ANALYSIS
Porter solidified a starting role in his second year as a pro, playing at least 95 percent of Pittsburgh's defensive snaps in 15 of his 16 games, with the exception being a Week 16 loss to Baltimore during which he suffered a calf injury. The Penn State product improved upon his rookie numbers in tackles but had three fewer defensed passes. Porter should enter 2025 as a locked-in starter in what will be the third year of his rookie contract.
Jan 2, 2025
Will play against Cincinnati
Porter (knee) carries no injury designation into Saturday's regular-season finale against the Bengals, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter was unable to play against the Chiefs on Christmas Day due to a knee injury, but he'll be good to go for Saturday's AFC North showdown after ending the week with consecutive limited practices. In his seven games since the Steelers' Week 9 bye, Porter has logged 31 tackles (25 solo) and three pass defenses. Porter's return is timely as Donte Jackson is listed as questionable due to a back injury.
Dec 31, 2024
On track to return Saturday
Porter (knee) was a full participant in practice Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter sat out last Wednesday's Week 17 loss to the Chiefs, but head coach Mike Tomlin indicated Monday that the second-year cornerback is expected to return to the field Saturday for the team's regular-season finale. Barring a setback in the final two practices of the week, that should be the case, as Porter was able to participate without limitations Tuesday. His return would likely send Cory Trice or Cameron Sutton to a rotational role.
Dec 30, 2024
Could return for Week 18
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that Porter (knee) is "scheduled to make it back" for the Steelers' regular-season finale against the Bengals on Saturday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter was sidelined for the Steelers' 29-10 loss to the Chiefs on Christmas Day due to a knee injury he suffered against the Ravens in Week 16. It appears that the 2023 second-round pick is on track to return for Pittsburgh's regular-season finale, and his practice participation over the coming week will be worth monitoring. Porter's return would help bolster a Steelers' secondary that will be tasked with slowing down the formidable pass-catching duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on Saturday.
Dec 24, 2024
Ruled out for Christmas Day
Porter (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Chiefs, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter suffered a knee injury during the Steelers' 34-17 loss to the Ravens in Week 16. He was unable to participate in walkthroughs and practices following this past Saturday's contest, and he will miss his first game of the 2024 regular season Wednesday. Cory Trice and James Pierre are the top two candidates to serve as Pittsburgh's second starting outside corner opposite Donte Jackson due to Porter's injury.
Dec 21, 2024
Dealing with knee injury
Coach Mike Tomlin clarified that Porter suffered a knee injury in Saturday's loss to the Ravens, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter's injury was initially deemed a calf issue, but it was determined the knee injury was causing deferred pain to the calf area. Porter was originally injured in the first half, tried to return in the third quarter, but was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest. The Steelers face the Chiefs on Wednesday, making it a short week for Porter to try and get healthy.
Dec 21, 2024
Ruled out Saturday
Porter (calf) was ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's game against the Ravens, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter exited with a calf injury during the first half. The 24-year-old tried to overcome the issue and returned to the field in the third quarter, but it appears this issue will ultimately be too signficant for him to continue. He'll now have a short time to get healthy before Pittsburgh plays on Christmas Day versus Kansas City, leaving just three days between games. In Porter's absence, reserve corners Cory Trice and James Pierre will have to take on bigger roles versus Baltimore.
Dec 21, 2024
Returns Sunday
Porter (calf) has returned to Saturday's game against the Ravens, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter left with a calf injury in the first half but is back on the field for the third quarter. The 2023 second-round pick will move back into his role as one of the top cornerbacks for Pittsburgh.
Dec 21, 2024
Exits versus Baltimore
Porter is questionable to return to Saturday's game against the Steelers due to a calf injury.
ANALYSIS
Porter logged two tackles before exiting during the first half. Leading into Week 16, the second-year cornerback has already achieved career highs in tackles this season with 61, and he's logged six passes defended over 14 games. Fellow starter Donte Jackson (back) is already inactive, leaving reserve cornerbacks Cory Trice and James Pierre are the next men up on the perimeter of the Steelers' defense.
Oct 8, 2024
Picks of Prescott in Week 5
Porter logged four tackles (three solo) and one interception in Sunday's 20-17 loss to Dallas.
ANALYSIS
Porter snagged his first interception of the season Sunday and the second of his career. He picked off Dak Prescott on a pass intended for Jalen Tolbert early in the fourth quarter, which led to a six-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to Pat Freiermuth 12 plays later. Porter has played nearly every single defensive snap through the first five games of the regular season and has accumulated 17 tackles (12 solo), three passes defended and one interception over that span.
May 22, 2024
Back on field
Porter (concussion) participated in OTAs on Wednesday, Chris Adamski of Triblive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter was unable to finish the Steelers' wild-card loss to the Bills last season after suffering a concussion. However, the second-year pro was back on the field this week in preparation for his sophomore campaign, which is good news for the Steelers secondary.
Jan 15, 2024
Concussed during wild-card game
Porter suffered a concussion during Monday's wild-card contest against Buffalo and has been ruled out from returning, Steelers senior director of communications Burt Lauten reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter was hurt during the third quarter and was initially deemed questionable to return but has since been ruled out. He finished the wild-card game with two tackles (both solo).
Jan 15, 2024
Questionable to return
Porter was evaluated for a concussion during Monday's wild card game against the Bills and is questionable to return, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The starting cornerback exited after making two tackles. Porter came into the game with 43 tackles, 10 passes defensed and an interception in his rookie season. Chandon Sullivan is his backup.
Oct 31, 2023
Named starter
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin confirmed Tuesday that Porter is going to start at cornerback moving forward, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter got the start at corner opposite Patrick Peterson on Sunday against the Jaguars with Levi Wallace (foot) ruled out for the contest. Porter took advantage of the opportunity and recorded season highs in tackles (five) and defensive snaps (53). With Porter and Peterson as the starters, Wallace will move to the slot corner position.
Oct 29, 2023
Suits up against Jags
Porter (calf) is active Week 8 against the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
A calf injury that limited Porter in practice this week won't end up costing the rookie defensive back his first career game. Porter is coming off a career-best three combined tackles and a season-high 48 defensive snaps in Week 7 against the Rams.
Oct 27, 2023
Questionable for Sunday vs. Jaguars
Porter (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus Jacksonville, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Porter is in danger of missing his first game of the season in Week 8 as he nurses a calf injury. If he can't go Sunday, Chandon Sullivan would probably see an uptick in snaps at corner.
Apr 28, 2023
Goes 32nd overall to Pittsburgh
The Steelers selected Porter in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 32nd overall.
ANALYSIS
Porter is the son of former longtime standout pass rusher Joey Porter Sr., though the younger Porter, a cornerback, is a much leaner (6-foot-3, 193 pounds) and faster (4.46-second 40) athlete. The younger Porter faced some concerns about his ability to cover downfield without drawing the attention of the refs while at Penn State, but in the Steelers' scheme, he'll likely have his tasks fine-tuned to his strengths such that it should be a close to ideal fit. The Steelers have normally maximized the talent of modestly paid cornerbacks, so Porter is more talented than what Pittsburgh typically trots out on the defensive boundary.
Apr 28, 2023
Goes 32nd overall to Pittsburgh
The Steelers selected Porter in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 32nd overall.
ANALYSIS
Porter is the son of former longtime standout pass rusher Joey Porter Sr., though the younger Porter, a cornerback, is a much leaner (6-foot-3, 193 pounds) and faster (4.46-second 40) athlete. The younger Porter faced some concerns about his ability to cover downfield without drawing the attention of the refs while at Penn State, but in the Steelers' scheme, he'll likely have his tasks fine-tuned to his strengths such that it should be a close to ideal fit. The Steelers have normally maximized the talent of modestly paid cornerbacks, so Porter is more talented than what Pittsburgh typically trots out on the defensive boundary.
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