Steelers Rumors: Joey Porter Jr. gets deserved praise
Steelers rookie Joey Porter Jr. is getting his flowers in 2023.
The 2023 second-rounder was highly lauded by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who told the media on Thursday that Porter is projected to play more snaps.
Per Austin, the Steelers plan to move the versatile Patrick Peterson around in the defensive lineup as a result of Porter earning more snaps.
One of Porter's most memorable highlights came in an AFC North showdown against the Ravens when he picked off Lamar Jackson on the goal line in the fourth quarter. He's generally been terrific in coverage, allowing just one catch on 10 targets for 12 yards.
However, Porter's tackling could use some refinement. According to Steelers Depot, Porter has recorded a 30.7 percent missed tackle rate so far this season. He missed two key tackles in Week 7's game against the Rams that didn't go unnoticed.
Tackling is something Porter should improve in over time -- call it rookie pains for now.
Steelers Rumors: Cam Heyward slowly making his way back to the field
Finally, a dose of good news. Steelers defensive star Cam Heyward just took one giant step toward his 2023 return.
The Steelers announced they were opening Heyward's 21-practice window to come off the injured list. Hopefully, the team will be able to activate him to the 53-man roster in due time. The veteran defensive tackle suffered a groin injury in Week 1 that required surgery, and he ended up landing on injured reserve for the start of the season.
On Thursday, Heyward practiced in a limited capacity. At this point, any kind of participation is a good sign.
Pittsburgh has been making do with DeMarvin Leal and Keeanu Benton in the defensive line, yet Heyward's pending return should provide a much-needed boost to the run defense. Through seven weeks, the Steelers' run defense ranks 28th in rushing yards allowed and 27th in average yards per carry allowed.
They'll face a red-hot Travis Etienne and the Jaguars in Week 8; Etienne has recorded multiple rushing touchdowns in each of his last three games. Unfortunately, Heyward will be watching the matchup from the sidelines on Sunday, but fans should be ecstatic to see the six-time Pro Bowler back in action in practice this week.
Steelers Rumors: Diontae Johnson did not practice on Thursday
As transcribed on the Steelers' official injury report on Thursday, wideout Diontae Johnson did not participate in practice.
Johnson is apparently dealing with a hamstring injury despite being a full practice participant on Wednesday. It's unclear whether he re-aggravated his hamstring issue from earlier this season or if it's something new.
Johnson hurt his hamstring in the 2023 season-opener and was placed on injured reserve; he had just returned to practice last week. He has eight catches for 127 yards and no touchdowns in 2023.
Seeing him back on the injury report does not bode well for Johnson's health status moving forward, especially given how fickle hamstring injuries can be.
The Steelers will face the Jaguars on Sunday in Week 8. Johnson's availability for that game will depend on his practice status on Friday, but it's not looking good right now.
