Joey Porter Jr. has played in four games since the Dallas Cowboys acquired him in a trade in late September. He has missed much of the past two weeks, leading to speculation that his absence might be tied to his contract rather than an ankle injury. Porter pushed back on that idea, saying his focus is on getting back on the field.
“I don’t know where that story came from,” Porter said. “I understand it’s the internet, but I don’t pay much attention to it. I want to win games and play football. If there’s a chance I can get out there, I will.”
Porter’s Cowboys debut, against the Houston Texans on Oct. 4, ended early when he appeared to hurt his ankle. He left the next game against the Arizona Cardinals after seemingly aggravating the injury, then was inactive for Dallas’ matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
He missed practice Thursday for a second straight day, though he was seen using resistance bands during part of the session. Porter may do more Friday as he works toward a possible return Sunday, when the Cowboys host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10.
Porter said the ankle needs to let him run and change direction. As a cornerback, he explained, he has to keep up with some of the most athletic players on the field; without the ability to run, skip or jump, he can’t do his job.
There may be more going on than the ankle. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Porter has also had discomfort in his heel. Porter described the problem as affecting his whole foot, adding that it had worsened while he continued playing and eventually forced him to stop.
He said his teammates want him back and that he hopes to return as soon as he can. Porter also missed time with an illness when Dallas played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
The 26-year-old is due to become a free agent after the season. Dallas entered Week 10 second in the NFC East, one win behind the New York Giants, who were scheduled to face the Washington Commanders on Thursday night.
