Mike McCarthy: Joey Porter's doing a good job in return to practice

Published September 3, 2026 12:25 PM Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. wants a new contract and says he might not play in Week One if he doesn’t get it. But Porter is practicing, and head coach Mike McCarthy is satisfied with the work Porter is doing.Porter was just activated from the physically unable to perform list after not practicing in training camp, and McCarthy said the Steelers have a plan for getting him up to speed in time to start the season.“Joey Porter’s doing a good job,” McCarthy said. “He’s going through the ramp-up process. We’re going to do a little more with him today. First time he had a chance to put the pads on. Staying true to the process of being smart and try not to go too fast.”Now the questions are whether Porter and the Steelers can come to an agreement on a new contract, and if not whether Porter will play anyway.