The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially ruled out cornerback Joey Porter Jr. for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, marking the second consecutive week he will miss. Porter was listed with a back injury on the injury report, per NFL Trade Rumors, which also notes a non-injury-related designation alongside it.
Porter appeared in all three days of practice this week before being added to the injury report Thursday with the back issue. His absence comes as the Steelers navigate what ESPN described as "contentious contract negotiation" with the former second-round pick.
The Steelers will also be without other contributors for the Patriots matchup. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (ankle) are listed as questionable, per ESPN.