Steelers Expect to Start Playing Joey Porter Jr. More
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers expect to see cornerback Joey Porter Jr. on the field more heading into future games. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin talked about Porter’s progress and that the Steelers are now beginning to become more comfortable with him outside of just third-down situations. With that in mind, Porter’s snaps should see a noticeable uptick. That will naturally take care of itself this Sunday because the Rams play so much out of 11 personnel.
“I would think so,” Austin said. “There’s an opportunity for him to get more work on the field, and he’s been steadily progressing each week that we’ve got him more work. He’s done a good job with what he’s given, so it’s not new to him. He’ll probably get more this week just naturally through how they play.”
However, when asked if Joey Porter Jr. received more playing time against the Ravens because they were satisfied with Porter’s progression or because Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace have struggled, Austin pointed to how Porter has played more than the other cornerbacks. Porter has shined in his limited opportunities this year, and the Steelers are willing to give him more of those chances since he has played at such a high level. In other words, expect that rocket ship for Porter’s snap to continue progressing.
“I think it says more about us being satisfied with Joey’s progression,” Austin said. “Again, he’s making strides every week and during the game, we felt we could play him more outside of just third downs.”
Porter talked on Thursday and remained in the dark about the size of his role. So far this season, Porter has not played more snaps than either Patrick Peterson or Levi Wallace in a game, although he has rotated in with them. But the Steelers have not clarified to him how that role will continue to evolve.
“I really don’t know,” Porter said. “It’s always up to the coaches and stuff. I just have to stay ready and prepared.”
Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that guys such as Joey Porter Jr. are impressing him, but there is a plan for how they will approach those rookies and their playing time. For right now, it does not seem like Porter starting is in the cards, but he may continue to rotate into the game at a higher rate than he previously was before the Ravens game. Now, it seems like he will play more than just in sub-packages.
MORE JOEY PORTER JR. COVERAGE
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