Steelers DC Teryl Austin Says 2023 Rookie Joey Porter Jr. Continues To Earn More Snaps After Latest Performance

As always, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been hesitant to thrust their rookies into full-time roles in 2023. Injuries have forced the hand in several situations, including Keeanu Benton and Darnell Washington. Even so, Benton continues to be used in a part-time role, while Washington has been primarily used as a blocker. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is the one that is brought up when discussing the team's cautiousness with first-year players.

From the moment the regular season began, it became obvious that a duo of Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace wasn't going to cut it. To put it simply, the veteran pair allow too many big plays when they're on the field. That has led fans to call for Porter to be inserted into the starting lineup, but the coaching staff hasn't yet done so. When Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke to reporters on Thursday, it seemed like the tide may be turning.

"I thought he handled himself well. He did some good things coverage-wise. It’s what we talked about every week, the better he plays, the more he progresses, the more snaps he earns. He will continue to do that," Austin said via 93.7 The Fan.

In past weeks, the coaching staff refused to name the rookie a full-time starter. While they haven't officially done that just yet, his playing time in Week 7 suggests they basically have. Porter played a career-high 53 (77.9%) snaps against the Los Angeles Rams and allowed just one catch on the day. If there were any concerns about his success translating when he gets more playing time, well, that was answered.

On the contrary, Peterson and Wallace continued to get torched, as rookie Puka Nacua had over 150 yards receiving. Based off the snap counts in Week 7 along with Austin's comments on Thursday, it feels like Porter is basically a starter now. The team seemed cautious with Porter in part due to his tackling, as the coaches didn't feel fully confident in that aspect of his game. 

While it still remains an area of improvement, his coverage skills are too good to ignore. The Steelers want to put the best product on the field, and Porter is just that. Additionally, Austin said that the team will indeed continue to move Peterson around in the secondary. It's something that they did in Week 7 and will only continue to do as Porter sees more snaps on the outside. Coming into the season, the team was open to using the veteran at nickel and we finally saw some of that against the Rams.

Should The Steelers Trade For A Cornerback?

On Tuesday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin compared Peterson to how they used Cam Sutton over the past few years. Peterson didn't perform much better by any means, but it at least allows Porter to get onto the field. Something else to keep an eye on over the next week is the trade deadline. The Steelers front office is always active, and they very well could target a cornerback. Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos is the biggest name in trade rumors, but it would take a lot to acquire a young star like him. 

If the AFC North squad was to make a move at the position though, one of the veterans, Peterson or Wallace, would lose a lot of playing time. For now though, fans should appreciate the youth that the front office has brought in. Porter looks the part, and he will only see more snaps moving forward. Austin's comments on Thursday only reflect that, and the Penn State product has earned every bit of his opportunity.

What do you think Porter's ceiling is in the NFL? Do you think the Steelers should/will trade for cornerback ahead of next week's trade deadline? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!

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