Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones addressed the ongoing discussion about Porter’s future with the team. During an appearance on a local radio program, Jones said there were no concerns about a holdout similar to what was seen in Pittsburgh and that Porter is all in. He noted that Porter was sick and could not play the prior week but had played in Dallas’s season opener and was excited to contribute against Green Bay. Porter is listed as questionable with an ankle injury on this week’s report, in addition to coming off the illness that sidelined him in Week 5. Since arriving in Dallas, Porter has appeared in only one of the Cowboys’ two games.
Porter’s arrival came after Dallas acquired him from Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. The Steelers had not extended a long-term deal, and Dallas reportedly indicated there would be no new contract negotiations with Porter during this season, fueling ongoing speculation.
On the field, Porter played 25 of 52 defensive snaps (48.1%) in Dallas’s 34-30 win at Houston, signaling a gradual ramp toward a larger role. The illness struck Thursday morning, with Porter experiencing an itchy throat during walkthroughs. The team provided cold medicine, but after a long drive to the stadium and subsequent illness, he was sent home. Porter described vomiting and an inability to keep anything down, which led to the decision to pull him from the game.
Despite his absence, the defense faced continued strain as the unit allowed 241 rushing yards. With a 10-day break before Sunday night’s game in Green Bay, the team’s energy in the locker room improved.
Porter expressed optimism about his conditioning and playbook retention during the extra days off, saying the time helped him feel better and sharpen preparation. He acknowledged disappointment at missing Thursday night’s game but remained focused on the upcoming matchup with Green Bay.
Whether Porter will have a full workload on Sunday depends on the final injury report. His health will be a decisive factor in determining how heavily he is utilized against the Packers. Cowboys head into Week 6 needing improved defensive efficiency, as the unit has struggled in several areas, including pass defense and run stopping. Dallas ranks near the bottom in several defensive metrics, highlighting the urgency for elevating play on that side of the ball.
The addition of Mike Pettine as a senior assistant to defensive coordinator Christian Parker reflects the organization’s push to strengthen the defense. Pettine’s experience as a former head coach and defensive coordinator adds to the team’s efforts to improve performance.
In summary, Porter is targeting a return to a larger role after illness sidelined him and with an ankle question mark adding to the uncertainty. His availability for Sunday’s game will be clarified by the final injury report, and his presence could provide a meaningful boost to Dallas’s secondary as the team seeks to tighten its defensive play heading into Green Bay.
