More Playing Time Coming for Joey Porter Jr?

PITTSBURGH — Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. made one of the biggest plays on defense for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their 17-10 comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, and the only reason he was in the game was a steadily increasing role for the young defender.

Through the first four weeks of the season, Porter had played almost exclusively as the Steelers’ Dime corner, only seeing the field when the team was playing six defensive backs.

That changed in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens, as Porter took one series in place of usual starter Levi Wallace and another two in place of starter Patrick Peterson. Porter was in Peterson’s spot when he made a game-changing interception.

Watch: Joey Porter Jr. Nabs His First Career Interception

“Porter’s been playing increasingly more with each passing week,” head coach Mike Tomlin said. “I’ve been really transparent about the inclusion of all the rookies. Oftentimes, we start with a good foundational plan in terms of how they participate and we grow from there. He’s done a solid job with the work given and so today, he got more. He did a nice job with the work he was given today.”

Porter said that he was told ahead of time that he would be getting some more playing time in this game, and he set he felt ready for the additional work.

“They just told me they were getting a little more series in the game,” Porter said. “They just wanted to keep me warm and keep me more in-tune with the game.”

That of course brings up the question of how far the Steelers will be willing to go with additional reps for the rookie. Peterson and Wallace have started each of the team’s first four games, but as Tomlin said, more reps and success in those additional reps, could mean even more going forward.