Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are having a poor start to the season. The franchise has begun the 2026 NFL season with two wins and two losses so far. The latest defeat came in the Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns with a score of 27-24.
The franchise has also taken a strong decision to part ways with one player, which has prompted a response from Rodgers himself.
Aaron Rodgers talks about Joey Porter Jr.’s departure
The Steelers have recently traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round selection. The deal was announced on on October 1, 2026, and ends a months-long contract standoff between the player and the franchise. Porter had been inactive for the Steelers’ first three games amid back and conditioning issues as well as unsuccessful extension talks.
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up for a game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium
After the game against the Browns, Rodgers addressed his former teammate’s departure. He was asked about it, and seemed to be really annoyed by the question, even shaking his head a little.
The quarterback replied that he had expected to see Porter play against Cleveland, and admitted that he was not really familiar with the cornerback as well. He said, “You gotta ask the defensive guys. They’re probably around him more often but, you know, I thought Joey might play this week, based on his practice stuff but, you know, we wish Joey well.”
Head coach Mike McCarthy also said that he expected to see Porter participate in the Week 4 game, “On Tuesday, I definitely thought it was a possibility (he would play) and we had a rep count in mind. You hope business never gets in the way of your preparation and playing, but it’s the modern NFL. The timing was the night before a game, and I’m sure that’s what the guys woke up to.” Rodger also talked about his performance after the loss.
Aaron Rodgers admits fault in Week 4 loss
After the loss against the Browns, Rodgers admitted his fault in it and that he would look at the game’s film. He said, “I would have to look at the film, but I wouldn’t say it was our cleanest game all the way around. They’re a good defense, so you gotta give them credit. They were getting after us on some of the long yardage stuff that we weren’t winning a bunch.”
He added, “I missed some throws I usually hit.” The veteran quarterback completed 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions against the Browns. His pass completion rate was only 55.0%, and he was also sacked 5 times.
Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy will now focus on the next game against the Indianapolis Colts.
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