Pittsburg, PA

Steelers CB Named Breakout Candidate

Published

2 years ago

May 19, 2024

PITTSBURGH — The future appears bright for the Pittsburgh Steelers after making some smart additions via the NFL Draft over the past two offseasons and one of their newest additions could evolve into a star soon.

Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team named the Steelers’ 2023 second-round pick Joey Porter Jr. as one of seven candidates for a breakout season in 2024.

“If there’s one way to respect a cornerback, it’s to avoid him in coverage. Porter had the seventh-lowest rate of targets per coverage snap among corners, which is partly why his raw production numbers aren’t awe-inspiring,” Pizzuta said. “It’s a sign of good coverage, not a lack of production. Porter will go into Year 2 as the clear top corner for the Steelers’ defense on a pass-coverage unit that was improved this offseason.”

Porter Jr. got his feet wet during his rookie season and eventually took over No. 1 cornerback duties down the stretch of the regular season, which was desperately needed as the Steelers dealt with a depleted defensive backfield.

Last season, the Steelers took their time integrating Porter into the defense but he will hit the ground running in 2024, with his team facing a pivotal season surrounded by high expectations.

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Pittsburg, PA

Rookie Pittsburgh Steelers running back surprisingly out against Lions

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Rookie Pittsburgh Steelers running back surprisingly out against Lions

DETROIT — The Pittsburgh Steelers have made rookie running back Kaleb Johnson a surprise inactive against the Detroit Lions. They have just three running backs on the roster, and some other players who could end up playing at running back if injuries arise is Connor Heyward or Jonnu Smith.

Meanwhile, the Steelers will still be without wide receiver Roman Wilson, who has been made inactive the last three weeks after the additions of Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the room. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that Scotty Miller’s ability to be a backup punt returner is one of the key reasons he is active over Wilson.

As for injuries, there is nothing unexpected there. Outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig were ruled out. Jack Sawyer, a rookie out of Ohio State, will make his first career start.

Cornerback James Pierre will miss his second straight game with a calf injury. Asante Samuel Jr. will fill in for him, and he nabbed a pick against the Dolphins a week ago. The Steelers elevated Daryl Porter Jr. to give them some depth.

Guard Isaac Seumalo is sidelined with a triceps strain. With him out, the Steelers will turn to Spencer Anderson to start there.

Quarterback Will Howard will continue to serve as the emergency third quarterback.

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