Joey Porter Jr. remains absent from Steelers sidelines during Atlanta Falcons game

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. did not join his teammates on the sidelines during the team's regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium on September 13, 2026. While other inactive players participated with the team during the game, beat writer Ray Fittipaldo observed that Porter Jr. was absent. The defensive player is currently playing on a rookie contract valued at approximately $4 million and is scheduled to reach free agency at the end of the season. Reports indicate that contract negotiations between the Steelers and the cornerback have stalled, with suggestions that the player is open to a potential trade. In contrast, other sidelined personnel such as DeShon Elliott were present on the field during team warmups. The Steelers have provided no further details regarding his absence from the bench.

• 5:43 PMYahoo Sports — Joey Porter Jr. chooses not to join teammates on Steelers sidelines