Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is expected to match up against top receivers in the first three weeks of the 2026 season. The team will play the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals early on. Porter's performance could prove critical to the Steelers' start.
The Steelers are likely to extend cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in the coming months after his strong 2025 campaign. He is projected to earn a contract near the top of the cornerback market.
Porter will face Drake London, A.J. Brown and either Tee Higgins or Ja'Marr Chase in the opening weeks. Previous matchups have shown mixed results, including strong coverage against London but challenges against Chase.
A strong start is viewed as important for Pittsburgh given a tougher schedule later in the year. The Patriots represent the only 2025 playoff team on the early slate before the Week 9 bye.