The Steelers began their preparations for the Kansas City Chiefs without outside linebackers coach Joey Porter, who was placed on leave after he was arrested Sunday night.
But Friday, one day after the most serious charges against him were dropped, the Steelers welcomed Porter back to practice, and he'll be with the team for the AFC divisional-round playoff game Sunday against the Chiefs.
"Joey is a guy who I have tremendous respect for," Steelers receiver Antonio Brown said after practice Friday. "I have a personal relationship with him. I have a great relationship with his kids. They look up to me. It's disheartening when things happened. It's great to have him back. It means a lot not only to the Steelers but to me personally."
Porter, a former Steelers player who joined the coaching staff in 2014, was arrested Sunday night after an altercation with a doorman and a police officer at The Flats. He was originally charged aggravated and simple assault, trespassing and resisting arrest before the Allegheny County district attorney's office announced Thursday that only summary charges of public drunkenness and disorderly conduct would remain.
Porter reported for work and took part in Friday's practice. He did not speak with reporters Friday, but he did issue a statement through the team.
"I am grateful to be allowed to return to our coaching staff this weekend," the statement read. "I regret that I was involved in an incident that could have been a distraction to our team. Most importantly, I regret that I touched the police officer and I sincerely apologize for that action. Thankfully, no one was injured."
Players in his position group were thrilled to have their coach back in the fold.
"It's great," outside linebacker Bud Dupree said. "We have all of our pieces back so everything feels regular again. He's a big asset to the team. I'm glad he's out of the situation he's in. People get painted a different picture of what they are. You never want to happen to you or anyone else."
Outside linebacker Arthur Moats signed with the Steelers in 2014, the same year Porter arrived as an assistant coach.
"He's definitely going to help us out," Moats said. "He's been a core member of this team since I've been here. It's always good to have him here. Anytime you get one of your brothers back _ even though he's a coach he's considered our brother _ anytime you get someone like him back you're excited. Anytime someone goes through a trying situation you want to see them come out positive, and we think he did."
Porter is stationed on the field during games and plays an important role in in-game communication between coaches and players. The Steelers had a backup plan in the event Porter could not coach in the game, but they're glad they don't have to alter their plan.
"He's one of our main guys for communication from sideline to the field," Moats said.
