By Field Level Media
Aug 24 (Field Level Media) – While eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey came off the physicallyunable to perform list on Monday, another Pittsburgh Steelers cornerbackremains on the PUP list with no end to that stint in sight.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that the team is currently “at animpasse” with cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who is sidelined after aggravating aback injury on the first day of Pittsburgh’s training camp.
Porter, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie contract after theSteelers took him with the first pick of the second round (32nd overall) inthe 2023 NFL Draft. Before sustaining the injury setback, Porter was presentat the team’s OTA and mandatory minicamp workouts but was not observedparticipating during the portions media members were allowed to observe.
Asked for a timeline of when he would want to see Porter on the practice fieldin order to play him in the Steelers’ regular-season opener vs. Atlanta onSept. 13, McCarthy didn’t give a specific answer, instead deferring to theuniqueness of this situation.
“I learned this in my early years as a head coach: You have to separate thebusiness and football,” McCarthy said. “Sometimes it’s easier than others.This is a challenge for both Joey and us because we’re first-year staff. We’veseen them play, compete against Joey.
“I would love the opportunity to coach Joey Porter. I know our defensive guyswould love the opportunity. So, we’re at an impasse right here, and you’ve gotto respect that. Every one of us has a contract. The organization, they havebeliefs and so forth. But yeah, that’s just kind of where we are.”
Porter has amassed 165 tackles, 31 pass breakups, three interceptions, threetackles for loss and one sack over 47 regular-season games (41 starts) overhis first three seasons with Pittsburgh.
(–Field Level Media)
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