Dallas Cowboys’ Joey Porter Jr. to Make AT&T Stadium Home Debut
FRISCO, Texas 1 Oct. 28, 2026 1 Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will make his long-awaited home debut for the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium after a sudden illness forced the team to send him home before kickoff and halted his earlier attempt. He missed that would-be debut four days after his first appearance against the Houston Texans. The Cowboys said Porter will get another opportunity when the Arizona Cardinals visit on Sunday. His family is expected to be in attendance for the game.
Porter has made an immediate impact in his first three games with the Dallas Cowboys. He has been targeted nine times and allowed two receptions for 10 yards while recording two pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks have produced a 39.6 passer rating when targeting him, according to the team. His debut against the Texans provided an early look at his potential before illness curtailed his first opportunity at AT&T Stadium.
Porter said he hopes for a strong turnout from family and friends, and he noted that his father, former Pittsburgh Steeler Joey Porter Sr., has embraced his move to Dallas. He said playing at AT&T Stadium will be unreal because he has only visited there once before, when he was in college. Porter said family attendance motivates him and he is eager to make up for the missed opportunity. The Cowboys confirmed his family will be in attendance for the game.
Converted from wide receiver late in high school, Porter adapted quickly to the cornerback position. He said he likes the ability to dictate the game on defense rather than depending on a play to be called, and he can remain active in the run game when opponents do not throw his way. Porter said he enjoys being targeted because it gives him chances to make plays. He acknowledged there are areas to improve and said he must keep playing with energy and focus to continue building on early success.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Porters early numbers two receptions allowed on nine targets for 10 yards, two pass breakups and a 39.6 passer rating when targeted indicate he has been an effective coverage presence in limited action. Returning to make the home debut after missing the first opportunity because of illness allows the player and the Cowboys to test how that coverage translates at AT&T Stadium. The presence of family, including a veteran NFL father, adds a personal narrative to the game day. His on-field metrics through three games remain the clearest measure of his impact as he works to refine technique and expand his role.