Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer shares fresh Joey Porter Jr. update for Texans game

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. didn't play for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first three weeks of the 2026 season due to an alleged back issue until he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick and a 2028 second-rounder earlier this week. 

Magically, Porter's back seemed to be feeling much better by the time he spoke with reporters as a Dallas player for the first time on Thursday. During a Friday morning appearance on Dallas sports radio station 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer shared an update on Porter's status for this Sunday's game between 1-2 Dallas and the 0-3 Houston Texans at Houston's Reliant Stadium.

Joey Porter Jr. a "we'll see" for the Cowboys-Texans game

"We’ll see how he moves around today, see if he’s sore [Friday]," Schottenheimer said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "But I thought it was a great start [Thursday]. Really, really pleased with not just what I saw on the field, but really just the way he attacked his preparation and in learning the system. The big thing that will drive this is his ability to communicate with (rookie cornerback) Caleb Downs and some of the safeties and things like that as we get ready to finish the prep."

It's widely assumed among outsiders that Porter's back problem was related to his wanting to receive a contract extension from the Steelers. Interestingly, Porter is willing to feature for the Cowboys while in the final season of his existing deal. 

Meanwhile, Schottenheimer praised Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones for being in "a win-now mode" regarding the Porter trade. 

"I think we’re always in the business of going and finding great players," Schottenheimer continued. "And people like to call the Cowboys because we’re not afraid to make deals."

Brian Schottenheimer warns Cowboys about winless Texans

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Dallas as a three-point road underdog against Houston. During Friday's segment, Schottenheimer warned his team to not overlook the winless Texans. 

"They’re way better than their (0-3) record, just like I think we are way better than our (1-2) record. You’re gonna see two teams very hungry to go get a win on Sunday," Schottenheimer added.