Joey Porter Jr. denies trade request, gives no date for Steelers return

Joey Porter Jr. denied requesting a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, saying his focus had shifted from unsuccessful contract-extension talks to getting back on the field.

The cornerback has yet to play this season after a back problem kept him out through training camp. He told reporters that his back still flares up and that rebuilding his conditioning remains part of the process.

Pittsburgh’s official report listed Porter as limited Thursday under not injury related/conditioning, his second consecutive limited session. Coach Mike McCarthy said Porter had completed Wednesday’s planned workload and was scheduled for more work Thursday.

Porter expects to play this season but offered no firm return date. The Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 27, and his comments did not settle whether he would be ready for that game.