Steelers rule Joey Porter Jr. out vs. Patriots as back issue lingers amid stalled contract talks

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will not play when the team travels to New England in Week 2. The team declared Porter out, citing a back ailment. Porter was a limited participant in practice all week. This marks his second straight absence amid stalled contract negotiations. Porter is in the final year of his rookie deal and failed to reach an agreement on a new contract with the club before the season began.

Porter's teammates have expressed support for him throughout the process. Secondary coach Joe Whitt praised Porter's involvement in meetings and said Porter has given no indication he wants out.

Read the original report at Apnews.