The Pittsburgh Steelers will open the season against the Atlanta Falcons without cornerback Joey Porter Jr., while quarterbacks Will Howard (emergency QB) and Drew Allar are also among Pittsburgh’s six inactive players.
Porter’s absence is the one that changes the matchup. Asante Samuel Jr. had an impressive training camp with Pittsburgh. The fifth-year corner took full advantage of Porter missing time and was one of the most steady and reliable players on the field. But replacing a starting outside corner is often not as simple as next-man-up, especially with Drake London waiting across the line.
Since being activated off the PUP list on roster cut day, Porter has been limited and participating in light ramp-up phases instead. He's officially listed as questionable with a back injury on the Steelers’ final injury report.
Howard and Allar are likely to become inactive list regulars. Pittsburgh chose to keep four quarterbacks -- a first in the career of Mike McCarthy -- but Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph are the obvious game-day options unless the depth chart changes.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ full inactive list against the Atlanta Falcons
- QB Will Howard (3rd QB)
- QB Drew Allar
- G Gennings Dunker
- DT Kevin Jobity Jr.
- CB Joey Porter Jr.
- DE Gabriel Rubio
Pittsburgh’s unusual four-quarterback setup was always going to leave two of them inactive. Much to the chagrin of Steelers Nation, the team trusts the experienced Rudolph as the immediate backup, while Howard and Allar remain developmental projects. There's already been outside trade speculation involving Rudolph, but neither young quarterback has done enough to take the game-day backup job from the veteran.
Pittsburgh elevated Doneiko Slaughter from the practice squad before the game. Despite having a standout training camp, Slaughter was one of the final cuts before being placed on the practice squad. The official roster move gave Patrick Graham another defensive back and special-teams option, which looks considerably more important now.
The Steelers insist on handling extensions before the regular season, and their failure to reach a deal with Porter makes this absence more than a routine injury. The injury and contract dispute are separate issues, but the unresolved standoff will continue hanging over the season.
Pittsburgh should still have enough coverage talent and pass rush to survive against QB3 Cooper Rush. London will provide a convincing answer to whether Samuel is truly ready to handle a larger role.
Add us as a preferred source on Google