Steelers Face Packers Without Top Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in Week 2 Showdown
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have the best defensive game in Week 1 against the New York Jets, and are looking to bounce back in Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. But looking down the road, the defense just got some news that, while unfortunate, will make their lives a little easier.
In Week 8, the Steelers will host the Green Bay Packers for what could be the final showing for Aaron Rodgers and his former team. That matchup is going to be electric before the game even starts, but for the Packers, they could be without their biggest receiving option when it happens.
In Week 2 against the Washington Commanders, Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed went down with a broken collarbone and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
In Week 1, the Steelers gave up 218 passing yards to Justin Fields, including 95 yards and a touchdown to the Jets' top wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
In Week 2, Joey Porter Jr. is in trouble of missing the game with a hamstring injury, leaving Pittsburgh with Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay as their starters, and Brandin Echols replacing Porter Jr. James Pierre would be the team's only other cornerback on the active roster.
For Green Bay, without Reed, they'd bring an arsenal of Christian Watson, Matthew Golden and Romeo Doubs to Pittsburgh to take on their future Hall of Famer former quarterback. It'd be a matchup of Jordan Love versus Rodgers, which means everyone will have their eyes on the passing game - and the wide receivers will play a significant role.
Pittsburgh's group of DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth led the way in Rodgers' four-touchdown debut for the Steelers. No one in Pittsburgh wants that to slow down. And when the team welcomes Green Bay to Acrisure Stadium, they'll be looking to prove they're the better of the offenses.
Now, they'll be proving it against a Packers team without their top weapon.
Joe Flacco admits how he really feels about returning to Baltimore to play the Ravens as the Browns’ starting quarterback
Joe Flacco spent 11 years as the Baltimore Ravens’ starting quarterback and helped them capture a Super Bowl during his time there. Since then, Flacco has played for four different teams, including two stints with the Cleveland Browns. Now back with the Browns for a second time, Flacco is better equipped to be the guy with a full training camp under his belt. He played well enough for the Browns to win their Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but Cleveland came out on the losing end, 17-16.
In Week 2, when the Browns travel to take on the Ravens, it will mark the first time Flacco starts against Baltimore in their home stadium. He has suited up against the Ravens in the past, but never faced them as an opponent in Baltimore. That will change in a tough matchup against a Ravens team coming off a 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills, a game in which Baltimore blew a two-possession lead in the fourth quarter.
Joe Flacco gets real about his first return to Baltimore
“You know, we all know kind of the story there and yeah, like, I have nothing but love for the people in that facility and the people in that city,” Flacco said earlier in the week. “I mean, for sure, it’s one of those things, like, in the NFL, there’s a business side of it and things happen. I’m fortunate to be where I am today and be in this position, but I have nothing but love for that city and for that organization. I mean, I was a small-school guy that they took a little bit of a chance on early on in the draft and kind of… I have so many good memories with those people in that city and that stadium, so very special place.”
Flacco started all 163 games he played for the Ravens over 11 seasons after being drafted in the first round out of Delaware. Baltimore selected Lamar Jackson to be his successor, and that move worked out well for the franchise. Since then, Flacco has primarily been a backup but has had opportunities to start — including five games with the Browns in 2023 and several starts last year with the Indianapolis Colts.
“I think I’m very capable of just seeing it as another division game. But it will be cool to go back in that stadium. I haven’t had a chance to do it since I played there. I really love playing there. It’s an awesome place to play. It’s an awesome venue. It’s an awesome atmosphere. They do a great job. So, I love playing there. So, I think in that respect, it will be pretty cool to go back for sure.”
Flacco and the Browns threw for 290 yards in the opener against Cincinnati, and they should be able to find success through the air against Baltimore. Cleveland must also establish the run, and it’s possible that Quinshon Judkins’ return could help that effort. Flacco approaches the matchup like a seasoned veteran, but Sunday will be a special moment for him—even if he won’t fully admit it.
