The Steelers will not have Joey Porter Jr. on the field tonight against the Browns. That’s because Porter is no longer a Steeler. The team agreed last night to trade Porter to the Dallas Cowboys for two draft picks, a 2027 sixth rounder and a 2028 second round choice.
Porter has not played this season and he and the team could not agree on a new contract for next season. It’s the third time in two years the Steelers have traded a high-profile player to the Cowboys, previously sending wide receiver George Pickens and tackle Broderick Jones to Dallas.
For the game in Cleveland tonight, it appears Asante Samuel Jr. will start at Porter’s cornerback position, although rookie Daylen Everette replaced Samuel in the fourth quarter last Sunday.
Whoever is in his secondary, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham says they will be challenged by Browns rookie wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, and their talented teammates.
Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio says the Steelers will have to find a way to neutralize Browns edge rusher Jared Verse, who came from the Rams in the Myles Garrett trade.
The final injury report prior to the game lists Steelers running back Rico Dowdle as out, and defensive backs Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols as questionable. The Browns’ starting center Elgton Jenkins and guard Teven Jenkins are out, as is wide receiver Tylan Wallace.
Kickoff in Cleveland tonight is at 8:15.
