The Pittsburgh Steelers got Troy Fautanu back on the field Thursday, an important step for a team still testing its tackle depth. The relief was tempered by Michael Pittman Jr. moving from limited participation to DNP and Joey Porter Jr. having a back issue added to his Thursday listing that was not on Wednesday's report.
The official injury report lists the third-year tackle as limited after he sat out Wednesday. Porter remained limited with NIR/conditioning and back designations, while Darnell Washington missed a second practice for personal reasons. Cameron Heyward was added as a nonparticipant, but his absence was a veteran rest day rather than an injury.
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael Pittman Jr. | WR | Foot | LP | DNP | |
Joey Porter Jr. | CB | NIR/Conditioning/Back | LP | LP | |
Troy Fautanu | OT | Ankle | LP | LP | |
Darnell Washington | TE | NIR/Personal | DNP | DNP | |
Cameron Heyward | DT | NIR/Rest | - |
TribLive’s Chris Adamski reported that Porter left the field with a member of the training or medical staff during the portion of practice open to reporters. Porter wasn’t among the defensive backs participating in drills, although the Steelers ultimately listed him as limited. It doesn’t prove Porter suffered a setback or missed the entire session, but the back designation returning one day after it disappeared is still worth monitoring for Friday's final injury report.
Michael Pittman Jr.’s downgrade becomes Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest Friday concern
Porter’s status will draw extra attention while he remains without an extension, but Pittman’s move from limited participation to no practice is the more immediate concern. It could reflect planned management, soreness, or a more restrictive foot issue. Either way, Friday’s practice and final game designation will offer the best read on whether he can play Sunday.
During the period of Steelers pratice that was open to media, Joey Porter Jr was seen leaving the field and headed into the facility while accompanied by a member of the training/medical staff. Just prior to that, he was not among the DBs who were going thru drills, as seen below pic.twitter.com/iwsJjFpX1G
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 17, 2026
Pittman gives Aaron Rodgers a strong intermediate target opposite DK Metcalf. If he cannot play or must handle a reduced workload, Pittsburgh’s unsettled WR3 rotation between Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard becomes a much bigger part of the game plan. That isn’t where the Steelers want uncertainty against the Patriots.
Fautanu’s return, even in a limited capacity, is good news. Pittsburgh had to move Dylan Cook from right tackle to left and insert rookie Max Iheanachor when Fautanu exited against Atlanta. One unavailable starter can disrupt both edges of the protection, so any practice work beats another complete absence.
Pittsburgh’s secondary held up without Porter in the opener, which was a relief considering he’s not likely to return for Week 2. But Drake Maye is a vastly different assignment from Cooper Rush, even without A.J. Brown available.
Washington’s situation remains separate from the injury concerns, although a third straight absence Friday would create an availability question. His blocking and receiving role could help whichever tackles line up Sunday.
Fautanu’s limited work was a step forward and kept the report manageable. Another downgrade for Pittman or Porter on Friday would quickly change things.
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