Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is targeting a bigger role against the Green Bay Packers after an illness forced him to miss last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I was throwing up outside of my Uber on the way to the game,” Porter told reporters Wednesday. “It was brutal. I’m not gonna lie.”
Porter explained that his symptoms began with an itchy throat during the morning walkthrough. He informed the team and received medication, but his condition worsened as the day progressed, eventually forcing the Cowboys to send him home.
The timing frustrated Porter, who had expected an expanded workload after playing 25 defensive snaps in his Dallas debut against the Houston Texans. The Cowboys acquired him from Pittsburgh to strengthen their secondary, making his availability particularly important.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer will need his defense ready for Green Bay’s passing attack. Dallas lost 24-16 to Tampa Bay, and getting another cornerback involved could help the unit respond.
Porter said the additional recovery time has helped him study the defensive playbook and prepare for more responsibility. He hopes to avoid the snap restrictions that accompanied his first appearance with Dallas.
“That’s what I’m shooting for,” Porter said about taking on a larger role against Green Bay. “That’s what they’re shooting for as well.”
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However, Porter’s return is not the only concern. He was listed as a limited participant Wednesday because of an ankle injury, giving Dallas another factor to monitor before Sunday’s game.
The Cowboys will need to evaluate his progress throughout the week before determining his workload. Porter’s potential return would strengthen the secondary, but his health remains central to whether he can deliver the larger contribution both he and the coaching staff want.
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