Steelers CB Elevation Likely Means Bad Joey Porter Jr. News

The Pittsburgh Steelers are elevating a defensive back for their Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Per an official announcement from the Steelers, cornerback Doneiko Slaughter is coming up from the practice squad for the season opener at Acrisure Stadium.

Slaughter's elevation doesn't guarantee that he'll be active, though it does provide Pittsburgh with some insurance in case Joey Porter Jr. doesn't suit up for the contest.

Porter Jr. was listed as questionable on the Steelers' final injury report after being a limited participant in practice throughout the week with a back injury, which initially landed him on the PUP list at the beginning of training camp in late July.

With his contract situation remaining unresolved with under 24 hours before kickoff, the two sides are in a bit of a precarious spot.

Porter Jr. doesn't seem quite up to speed regardless of where negotiations stand at the moment, however, which may put him at risk of not playing or at the very least filling a limited role against the Falcons.

If Porter Jr. isn't able to go, Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr. would likely be the Steelers' starting duo at corner on the outside while Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols would serve as the primary options out of the slot, with Daylen Everette and Slaughter being the backups.

Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Doneiko Slaughter (19) tackles New York Jets wide receiver Malik McClain (84) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

What Slaughter Could Provide in Week 1

Slaughter has yet to play in a regular season game, though he received plenty of playing time for Pittsburgh throughout the preseason. He had some good moments along the way, but he was released at final roster cuts and later signed to the team's practice squad after clearing waivers.

According to Pro Football Focus, Slaughter logged a total of 122 snaps throughout the Steelers' exhibition slate, 104 of which came on defense.

He played 68 reps on the outside and 29 in the slot, meaning he could offer some versatility at cornerback if called upon against Atlanta.

On 10 targets in coverage, Slaughter allowed 76 yards while also recording a pass breakup.

The 24-year-old, who began his collegiate career at Tennessee before finishing it out at Arkansas, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent last year before being let go at final roster cuts.

Slaughter isn't likely to see the field on defense, if at all, even if Porter Jr. is active. Should the latter end up playing, the former would then be in danger of being inactive.

In a world where Slaughter makes his regular season debut, he could garner a few reps at cornerback while also playing on special teams.

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