LATROBE, Pa. (Aug. 10, 2005) -- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter underwent surgery to remove loose cartilage from his knee and is expected to miss four weeks. If Porter sits out for the full four weeks, he'll miss the Steelers' four preseason games, but will be back in time for Pittsburgh's Sept. 11 season opener against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field. "We expect to have him for the opener," coach Bill Cowher said. Porter, 28, injured the knee Aug. 9 during a one-on-one pass-rush drill with rookie offensive tackle Ulish Booker. Porter's knee became swollen that night and he underwent an MRI examination the next morning. The surgery was performed by team physician Dr. James Bradley. "Joey had problems with the same knee a couple years ago," Cowher said. "I think we'll have him back a little bit sooner than (running back) Duce (Staley)." Staley underwent knee surgery Aug. 8 and also is expected to miss four weeks. Cowher said James Harrison will fill in for Porter at right outside linebacker. Harrison, 27, started in two games last season.
