Dallas – Joey Porter Jr., the Cowboys’ recent in‑season acquisition, has been unavailable for the past two weeks, but the 26‑year‑old cornerback insists his absence is purely health‑related. Porter, who was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers in late September, appeared in four games before an ankle injury forced him out early in the team’s Oct. 4 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Injury details and recovery efforts
Porter left the Texans game with what appeared to be an ankle sprain. He returned the following week against the Arizona Cardinals, only to aggravate the same injury and exit early. The Cowboys listed him as inactive for the subsequent contest in Indianapolis and he has not participated fully in practice for the past two days, though he was seen using resistance bands during part of Thursday’s session.
“Just to be able to run, be able to cut,” Porter explained when asked about his ankle. “I play a position where I guard the most athletic people on the field, so if I can’t run, skip or jump, then I’m no use out there.” He added that his foot feels “jacked up” and that the discomfort has spread to his heel, prompting the team’s medical staff to monitor him closely.
No contract distraction, says Porter
Speculation on social media suggested Porter might be sitting out to protect his market value ahead of free agency, as his contract expires at the end of the season. Porter rejected that narrative outright. “I don’t even know where that narrative come from,” he said. “It’s the internet, but I really don’t pay no attention to that or really care for that. My goal is to win games and play football, and that’s what I want to do. So if there’s any chance I could get on the field, I’m going to get on the field and do what I do best.”
He emphasized that his focus remains on contributing to the Cowboys’ push for a playoff berth rather than negotiating a new deal. “My goal is to win games and play football,” Porter repeated, underscoring his commitment to the team’s immediate success.
Team outlook
The Cowboys sit second in the NFC East, trailing the New York Giants by a single win as they head into Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. Coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Porter’s impact when healthy, noting that his presence on the outside defense can be “game‑changing.” The team hopes Porter can return soon, especially as the defense looks to tighten up against the 49ers’ potent offense.
Porter also missed the Week 5 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to an illness, adding to his limited availability this season. Despite the setbacks, the Cowboys remain optimistic that the cornerback will rejoin the lineup before the crucial matchup with San Francisco.
Looking ahead
If Porter returns for the 49ers game, he will have the opportunity to showcase his coverage skills against a high‑powered passing attack. “I bring a presence out there that is a game‑changing type presence,” he said. “I’m just trying to get back out there as fast as possible.”
The Cowboys’ next challenge will be to maintain their position in the NFC East while managing injuries across the roster. With the season entering its final stretch, every healthy player, especially a starting cornerback, becomes vital to the team’s championship aspirations.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
