Steelers notes: Joey Porter Jr., Allen Robinson in concussion protocol; 13 set for unrestricted free agency

Chris Adamski
Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 9:19 p.m. | Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 9:19 p.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. leaves the medical tent and was entered into concussion protocol against the Bills during the NFL wild-card round Monday, at Highmark Stadium.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and wide receiver Allen Robinson were in NFL concussion protocol when Monday’s playoff game ended. Each absorbed a hit during a play late in the third quarter of the 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills and did not return.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth suffered an ankle injury during the fourth quarter and did not return.

Porter suffered his injury at the end of a play in which he was in coverage on Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs during a critical catch on third-and-8 in Steelers territory with 3 minutes, 42 seconds left in the third quarter. About 2 minutes later on the first snap after a Buffalo touchdown, Robinson suffered his injury while making a catch that netted minus-1 yard.

Allen goes across his body, on the run and finds Diggs to pick up the first

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Freiermuth limped off during the Steelers’ penultimate drive of the game.

Coach Mike Tomlin did not provide any substantive updates on any of the injuries. He is expected to address the media for his annual season-ending news conference within the ensuing 48 hours after Sunday’s game.

13 unrestricted free agents

In addition to the starting quarterback for their lone playoff game, 12 other Steelers’ contracts are set to expire and they could become unrestricted free agents in March.

Of that group, none was a full-time starter this season, though inside linebacker Kwon Alexander was considered a co-starter with Elandon Roberts over the first half of the season until Alexander suffered a torn Achilles injury during a Week 10 win against the Green Bay Packers.

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Mykal Walker (six games, including playoffs) and Blake Martinez (one game) started games at inside linebacker after Alexander and Cole Holcomb suffered season-ending injuries. Each was out of football at one point this fall until signing to the practice squad. Each is set to be a free agent.

Two other defensive players who began the season as starters but ultimately were surpassed on the dept chart by rookies — defensive tackle Montravius Adams and cornerback Levi Wallace — also will be unrestricted free agents.

All Pro special teamer Miles Killebrew — a safety by trade — might be the most valuable soon-to-be free agent after serving as the special teams captain.

Others set for unrestricted free agency are No. 5 wide receiver Miles Boykin, veteran backup outside linebacker Markus Golden, slot/nickel cornerback Chandon Sullivan, safety/special-teamer Elijah Riley, backup cornerback/special-teamer James Pierre and defensive tackle Armon Watts.

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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.