Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. inactive for opener versus Falcons as back issues, contract talks linger - Taylorville Daily News

The Pittsburgh Steelers ruled cornerback Joey Porter Jr. inactive for the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, citing back issues and ongoing contract talks. Pittsburgh made him inactive 90 minutes before kickoff, with the move also tied to the club’s self-imposed deadline to reach an agreement before the season began. Porter, 26, is entering the final year of the rookie contract he signed in 2023. He tweaked his back during a mobility test in July and spent most of preseason on the physically unable to perform list. Coach Mike McCarthy said in August negotiations were at an “impasse,” and that Porter was still “ramping up.” Backup Cooper Rush is set to start after injuries left Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. out for Atlanta.