Sources: Porter unlikely to play opener amid uncertain Steelers future

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who has been embroiled in a contract dispute all summer, is unlikely to play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons because of a back injury, sources told NFL Network and ESPN, and the possibility of a trade remains in play.

The situation continues to raise questions about Porter's future in Pittsburgh.

There is no big-money contract extension for the young star, despite the two sides negotiating up until the day before the season. Pittsburgh does not negotiate through the season, and the sides remain far apart on a deal.

Sources say Porter, who had previously requested a trade from the Steelers , is open to playing elsewhere, and an early-season trade is very possible.

The Steelers have been open to listening to offers for Porter, sources say. But there has not been notable interest at Pittsburgh's asking price of a premium draft pick -- possibly in the first round -- and no serious trade talks have developed despite the Steelers' willingness to deal him.

With the season beginning and injuries happening around the league, however, those trade talks could pick up quickly.

Porter was recently asked about his availability for Week 1 and told reporters: "I don't know. I would have to talk to the guys upstairs and my agents about that one."

Porter also was asked Friday whether the contract situation affected his desire to be with the Steelers long term.

"No, I don't think so," he said. "I mean, at the end of the day it's business, and I know what that is and I got my head straight to understand that."

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said Porter is "working through the ramp-up stage," which is true. He didn't practice all summer, and conditioning and readiness is a focus. There is a plan to reacclimate Porter.

The biggest issue seems to be the fundamental disagreement over his value. This offseason, four cornerbacks -- Trent McDuffie of the Rams, Denzel Ward of the Browns, Devon Witherspoon of the Seahawks, and most recently Christian Gonzalez of the Patriots -- signed deals north of $30 million per year.

But the Steelers have not been anywhere close to those numbers for Porter.

One of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL, Porter has watched as the Steelers extended several players this offseason -- Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, and Darnell Washington all got new deals. But Pittsburgh didn't begin talks with Porter until recently, and he spent camp on the PUP list.

With the season now beginning, the situation between Porter and the Steelers seems to have reached a critical point with far more questions than answers.

If Porter doesn't play Sunday, Asante Samuel Jr. likely would take on an elevated role for the Steelers in Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Samuel joined the Steelers midway through last season after being cleared to return to football activities following spinal fusion surgery for a chronic neck issue.

The Steelers also announced Saturday that defensive back Doneiko Slaughter was elevated to the game day roster from the practice squad.