Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Strong safety DeShon Elliott (knee) and rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) were also officially ruled out.
Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith was limited on Friday with an ankle injury but has no injury designation for the game and will play.
Porter, who left the team’s Week 1 win over the New York Jets, did not practice all week. Brandin Echols will likely replace Porter on Sunday against Seattle.
Porter entered the blue medical tent during the third quarter of the team’s clash against the Jets.
He exited the tent and was jogging on the sidelines, but didn’t have his helmet. He then re-entered the tent, came out and sat on the bench.
“We absorbed some attrition in game like always,” Tomlin said after the game. “DeShon Elliott has a knee injury that’s being evaluated. Malik Harrison also has a knee injury that’s being evaluated. Joey Porter Jr.’s hamstring got tight. We shut him down so it didn’t get any worse than it was. There was some other bumps and bruises associated with play. I think Cam [Heyward] got poked in the eye, but he was fine and able to finish.”
During his Tuesday press conference, Tomlin was hopeful that Porter would be able to play in Week 2, but hamstring injuries can be tricky to predict sometimes.
Through two seasons as a pro, he’s played in 33 regular-season games, starting 27 of them. He has 113 combined tackles, 17 passes defended and a pair of interceptions.
While Porter will be sidelined, the Steelers get back outside linebacker Nick Herbig.
Herbig (hamstring) was inactive in the season opener against the New York Jets.
“I feel good. I’m ready to go. … I’m very optimistic about it,” Herbig said on Friday.
The third-year edge rusher suffered the hamstring injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the team’s second preseason matchup.
Herbig was a full participant on Thursday and Friday ahead of the team’s home opener against the Seattle.
In 13 games last season, his second as a pro, Herbig finished with 5.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits. He made five starts, replacing Alex Highsmith while he dealt with a groin injury.
For the Seahawks, rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle) is out and Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee) is doubtful.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Star CB Ruled Out vs. Seahawks
