# Steelers Get Joey Porter Jr. Back

> Porter Jr. set to play after back injury recovery.
- Title: Steelers Get Joey Porter Jr. Back · Pittsburgh Steelers On SI
- Summary: Porter Jr. set to play after back injury recovery. Joey Porter Jr. will play for Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 after coach Mike McCarthy says he's ready for…
- Keywords: joey porter jr, pittsburgh steelers, mike mccarthy, back injury, week 2, new england patriots, pup list, contract talks, afl wild card, sports, Steelers, Get
- Source: Pittsburgh Steelers On SI — https://si.com/nfl/steelers/onsi/pittsburgh-steelers-exciting-joey-porter-jr-news
- Published: 2026-09-16T16:07:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: joey porter jr, pittsburgh steelers, mike mccarthy, back injury, week 2, new england patriots, pup list, contract talks, afl wild card, sports
## Porter Jr. inactive in Week 1
Joey Porter Jr. was inactive in Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 1 win over Atlanta Falcons.
## Coach McCarthy's plan
On September 16, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said Porter Jr. is set to do more than he has in previous weeks.
## McCarthy's quote
McCarthy said, 'The plan is to move forward with Joey and see how much more he can do today.'

> The plan is to move forward with Joey and see how much more he can do today
## Back injury recovery
Porter Jr. was held out of Pittsburgh's season-opening victory to recover from a back injury that kept him on PUP list all training camp.
## Contract talks stalled
Porter Jr.'s contract talks remain stalled with negotiations broken off as regular season begins.
## McCarthy's readiness
McCarthy stated Porter Jr. is 'finishing the ramp-up period' and 'definitely ready to do more' in practice.

> finishing the ramp-up period
## Week 2 matchup
Porter Jr. may play in Steelers' Week 2 game against New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
## Trade speculation
Most speculation centers on Porter Jr. as a trade candidate with Pittsburgh possibly moving him.
## Key takeaway

Joey Porter Jr. will play for Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 after coach Mike McCarthy says he's ready for full practice.