PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – ‘Definitely’. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said he expects Joey Porter, Junior to be ready for practice on Tuesday and this week.
Porter, Junior had been holding out due to a tweaked back during camp and was activated on Sunday when the Steelers set the 53-man roster. That keeps him from missing games due to injury and McCarthy said there is enough time for him to be ready for Atlanta.
“Joey coming off of PUP, just like the other players,” McCarthy said. “Anybody that comes in here for the first time, there is a ramp-up-type process to it. That’s what will look for with Joey (Tuesday).”
Steelers are holding an hour practice on Tuesday and then will hold a more typical, in-season type practice Wednesday and Thursday before having the last weekend off before the start of the season September 13.
“He’s been working with the medical people,” McCarthy said. “There is an understanding what he is going through with the injury. There is a process that every one of these players is going through as far as ramping up before you go full speed on the field. He’ll be in that category.”
Along with the tweaked back, Porter and the Steelers are at ‘an impasse’ per McCarthy with a new contract as the fourth-year corner enters the final season of his rookie contract.
Steelers GM Omar Khan said Monday he won’t negotiate with Porter in the public and had no information about talks.
“But Joey knows how we feel about him,” Khan said. “And I still hope Joey finishes his career here.”
Steelers corner spent training camp on PUP, still looking for new contract
Steelers corner spent training camp on PUP, still looking for new contract
