On Wednesday, Porter was listed as limited for non-injury-related conditioning, rather than for the back issue itself. That designation prompted speculation about whether the back injury was still affecting him or if there had been a change in his condition. NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala also weighed in, suggesting the team may need a firmer public stance.
“Is this a little spineless?” Kinkhabwala commented on a local radio show. “Medically clear him and fine him. If it’s not the back anymore, then wasn’t it incumbent upon him to be conditioned?”
The situation, however, is not straightforward. Porter has dealt with the back issue since the start of training camp and did not return to practice until after the preseason. While the shift in injury designation offers a hint about his status, it does not conclusively demonstrate that he is fully healthy or that he has chosen not to play.
Another development came on Thursday when ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported that Porter exited the portion of practice open to reporters with a trainer after taking part in individual drills. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, speaking to reporters, provided a cautious update: Porter had a good day the previous day and completed his scheduled activities, with the expectation of continued progress.
The timing adds another layer to the contract situation surrounding Porter. Two weeks before Week 1, Porter indicated uncertainty about his playing status due to contract negotiations, saying he needed to discuss the matter with teammates and his agents before deciding about playing without an extension.
This leaves the Steelers navigating a delicate balance as they prepare for Week 2 against the New England Patriots. The team must assess Porter’s physical readiness while also contending with the ongoing contract dispute that has loomed over him since the offseason.
Porter is entering the final year of his $9.61 million rookie contract, and Pittsburgh has not yet reached an extension with the 2023 first-round pick. The Steelers have extended several players from that draft class, but Porter remains unsigned. While the public details of negotiations are sparse, the lack of an agreement has fueled speculation that the absence from practice could be related to more than just an injury.
Disciplinary considerations come into play as well. If Porter is healthy but not meeting his obligations, the Steelers could impose fines, but a punitive approach without a clear medical basis could pose further complications, particularly given the challenges of evaluating back injuries from the outside.
Porter has been a key part of Pittsburgh’s defense since being drafted No. 32 in 2023. He posted a strong 2025 season, recording 52 tackles, 14 passes defended, one sack, and one interception. His combination of physical style and coverage ability has made him a critical component of the secondary.
The current situation underscores the need for clarity. If Porter remains injured, the team can manage his workload. If conditioning or contract matters are at play, those issues require transparent handling.
As of now, no definitive public explanation has been provided, and Porter’s absence at Thursday’s practice continues to fuel questions ahead of the upcoming matchup with New England.
