Three Rivers Report: Did the Steelers lie about Joey Porter Jr’s injury?

As the saga between the Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter, Jr continues, a Steelers reporter believes there is something off about Porter, Jr's "back injury," and the connection to his search for a contract extension. While the former Penn State cornerback would have sat out any team activities while "holding in," Alan Saunders of Steelers Now has a different theory.

"At its core, a 'hold in' is just lying to the team about your health," Saunders writes. "That's what it is for every player. The league has at least tacitly accepted the practice. But I feel like once you start lying to the team, and to the public, about what's going on, you get down a slippery slope that leads to where we are."

"Porter lied about his injury. Then his agent either lied to national reporters or asked them to lie for him. No team is calling the Steelers about trading for Joey Porter Jr., and the Steelers have absolutely zero interest in fielding such calls. It's not a scenario that is even remotely likely right now."

Regardless of whether the injury was real, the "hold in" is real and both sides would be better off getting a deal done sooner rather than later.

For now, here is Thursday's Three Rivers Report.

Steelers coverage from Behind The Steel Curtain

Steelers fill out practice squad with former Titans safety : That should set up the PS moving forward

Aaron Rodgers praises young pass catchers : Rodgers isn't impressed easily

Steelers discussion: Baldy talks Jobity Jr.

High praise from Brian Baldinger about Kevin Jobity, Jr.

Be sure to join The Feed , where you can share your thoughts right now!

No winners, only losers in JPJ contract negotiations : Read Saunders' thoughts on the situation

Cutting Elandon Roberts hurts the Steelers brand : Former Steeler Willie Colon thinks so

The four new rule changes for the 2026 season : Get familiar with the new rules

Baker Mayfield has seven goals for 2026 : One of them has to be get paid, right

Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android .