Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers coach Tomlin addresses Porter's ‘disappointing' arrest, Roethlisberger's ankle

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin briefly addressed the arrest of assistant coach Joey Porter during his weekly news conference Tuesday afternoon.

“In this league, we’re all held to a standard of decorum,” Tomlin said. “Players, coaches, front office people, executives, even more so and rightfully so. Obviously, we’re treating this with the attention it deserves. We’re not overly concerned with it being a distraction for us.”

Tomlin called Porter’s arrest “disappointing” and said the team will do “what’s appropriate” moving forward. He added that there is no timetable for Porter’s return and that defensive coordinator Keith Butler could handle outside linebackers if his return is not possible for Sunday’s divisional round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

While providing an update on player injuries, Tomlin said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s ankle injury sustained in the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card game “does not appear to be an issue.” Tomlin also took responsibility for his decision to keep Roethlisberger in the game and to throw on third down.

“I take responsibility for throwing it on third down,” he said. “I got a little over-aggressive there, and it goes beyond taking responsibility. I made the call, so don't ask Todd (Haley) about it. I made the call, and I take responsibility for that."

Meanwhile, tight end Ladarius Green remains in concussion protocol as the Steelers prepare to travel to Kansas City.

New year, new home for the Steelers Playoff Run. Join Channel 11/WPXI all week as we get you ready for the showdown in Kansas City right here on WPXI next Sunday. Our coverage begins at 11 a.m.

Gordon Loesch, Jennifer Tomazic and Bill Phillips will be in Kansas City with round-the-clock coverage.

 

Cox Media Group

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