Despite full participation in back-to-back walk-throughs earlier this week, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will not make his season debut against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. Porter was ruled out by the Steelers on Wednesday, while fellow defensive back Jalen Ramsey (broken wrist) was listed as questionable. The Steelers also ruled out running back Rico Dowdle (toe). Porter's absence is a surprise after being a full practice participant; he reported a back issue Wednesday, and the team added "back" to his injury description. Just a day earlier, coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism about Porter's availability. Cornerback Brandin Echols cleared concussion protocol but remains questionable.

Porter has been dealing with a back injury since training camp and missed the first three games. He was activated off the physically unable to perform list in late August but had been a limited participant in every practice before this week. He also left practice early two weeks ago due to a back flare-up. "It's both," Porter said on Sept. 24 about his back and conditioning preventing him from playing. He also navigated a contentious contract negotiation that failed to produce an extension.

The Browns ruled out starting center Elgton Jenkins (concussion), but cornerback Tyson Campbell (knee) will play.