The Pittsburgh Steelers’ secondary, which has been banged up for the entire season, is set to return a major piece when they take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) gestures against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
While speaking with reporters at the beginning of the practice week, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. made it clear that he expects to play against Cleveland after remaining out since Week 1 with a hamstring injury.
“Yea, definitely,” Porter Jr. said. “I’m back for sure.”
Additionally, he stated that he had originally intended on returning before the Steelers’ Week 5 bye, but instead took some more time to recover and didn’t force the issue.
“I wanted to get back before the bye week just to get my little groove in, but it was for the greater good that I sat, got some more time,” Porter Jr. said. “But yea, we’re ready now.”
Porter Jr. sustained a hamstring injury in the third quarter of Pittsburgh’s season opener vs. the New York Jets. Even beyond not playing since that point in time, he had been listed as a non-participant on each of the team’s injury reports through Week 3 before being upgraded to limited ahead of Week 4.
The Steelers have not had every member of their secondary healthy at the same time since safety DeShon Elliott went down with a knee injury in the first half of their Week 1 matchup against the Jets. Porter Jr., as previously noted, suffered his own injury later in the contest.
Though Elliott returned in Week 4 and Porter Jr. is slated to do so against Cleveland, it appears Jalen Ramsey will be sidelined with a hamstring injury he sustained against the Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
Darius Slay Jr. and Brandin Echols also dealt with minor ailments against Minnesota, but there’s little to no concern about the availability of either player at this point in time.
Though Ramsey’s likely absence would be a major loss for Pittsburgh, having Porter Jr. back on the field will help soften the blow. The third-year corner will step right back into a starting role on the boundary next to Slay while Echols should see a majority of the reps from the slot.
Brock Purdy’s shocking decline leaves 49ers fans questioning future at quarterback!
Brock Purdy’s Struggles Spark Concerns for 49ers’ Quarterback Future
Brock Purdy’s rise to prominence as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback has taken an unexpected turn, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering his trajectory. Once heralded for his remarkable performance, Purdy’s recent struggles have cast a shadow over his future with the team.
From MVP Candidate to Questionable Starter
In 2023, Purdy was a force to be reckoned with, boasting an impressive quarterback rating of 113. His performance placed him firmly in the conversation for MVP, where he showcased poise, accuracy, and the ability to lead his team to victory. However, the following season marked a stark decline. By 2024, his passer rating fell to 96.1, reflecting a series of challenges that hindered his performance on the field.
Injury Woes and Diminishing Returns
The decline didn’t stop there. As injuries began to plague Purdy, his effectiveness dwindled further. The once-promising quarterback struggled under the weight of an 85.8 passer rating, leading to questions about his ability to recover and regain his former glory. The repercussions of these injuries not only impacted his stats but raised alarms about his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback.
Fan Reactions and Future Implications
49ers fans are left grappling with uncertainty as they reflect on Purdy’s rapid transformation from a promising star to a quarterback in decline. The team’s aspirations for the future hinge on his ability to bounce back. With a roster filled with talent, the spotlight is now on Purdy to reclaim his position and reassure both the fans and the franchise that he can lead them to success once again.
As the 49ers prepare for the upcoming season, the question remains: can Brock Purdy overcome his recent setbacks and fulfill the expectations that once seemed so attainable? Only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion and silence the growing doubts surrounding his role in San Francisco.
