Updated
The Dallas Cowboys could face another setback in their efforts to strengthen a struggling defense, with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. listed as questionable ahead of their Week 6 showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
Porter, who Dallas acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season, reportedly rolled his ankle during practice this week.
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NFL insider Ed Werder reported on Saturday that the injury has put the cornerback's availability in doubt, although he's hoping to suit up for Sunday's contest.
A source involved in the situation also clarified that his game status has nothing to do with his contract negotiations.
The update comes after Porter missed Dallas' 24-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 8 because of an illness.
His absence has limited his opportunities to make an impact since arriving in Dallas, leaving fans eager to see what he can contribute to a secondary that's struggled to find consistency.
Joey Porter Jr.'s injury raises concerns for Dallas
Porter's uncertain status is particularly frustrating for the Cowboys, who traded a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round selection to Pittsburgh to acquire him.
Dallas hoped the young cornerback would provide a meaningful boost to its defense during a difficult start to the season.
The 2023 second-round pick appeared in Dallas' Week 4 victory over the Houston Texans shortly after the trade. However, his illness kept him out against Tampa Bay, and the latest ankle problem threatens to interrupt his progress again.
Porter's history with Pittsburgh has also brought additional scrutiny. He reportedly dealt with a back issue during tense contract negotiations with the Steelers, eventually leaving the organization without securing the extension he wanted.
He's now entering the final year of his rookie contract, making his long-term future an important talking point.
That history has fueled speculation about his commitment, but Dallas executive vice president Stephen Jones has publicly defended the cornerback.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones said Porter was fully committed to helping the Cowboys and emphasized that illness had prevented him from playing the previous week.
“Oh, absolutely,” Jones said. “I think he’s all in. He wants to be out there. He was sick, he couldn’t play last week with the flu.
“But he obviously played in our first game and I think he’s fired up about what he can do to help us win against the Packers.”
The support from Dallas' front office could help quiet concerns surrounding the player's intentions. However, the ankle issue remains the immediate concern as the Cowboys prepare for a crucial matchup.
Dallas needs defensive reinforcements after a disappointing start to the season, and Porter's potential impact makes his availability especially significant.
His physical style of coverage could help strengthen the secondary, provided he can stay healthy and settle into his new surroundings.
Porter remains questionable, leaving the Cowboys waiting for a clearer picture of his condition before kickoff. Another absence would be an unwelcome complication for a team searching for answers on defense.