Overview
- Porter remains unsigned after extension talks collapsed before the regular season and he was inactive for the Week 1 game, a status the team has tied to a ramp‑up from a back issue.
- The Steelers changed Porter’s official practice designation this week from a back injury to NIR/conditioning and then back to a limited listing with a back notation, creating uncertainty about whether limits are medical or strategic.
- On Thursday Porter left practice early accompanied by the team’s medical staff, an event reported by multiple outlets that makes his availability for Sunday’s game unclear.
- Pittsburgh has received trade inquiries but is asking for premium draft compensation, possibly a first‑round pick, while also retaining the option to use the franchise tag later this offseason.
- Reports say the club could fine Porter if he continues to sit out, a development that could raise stakes for his camp and affect Pittsburgh’s defensive plans and locker‑room relations.