Behind the Steel Curtain
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Aaron Rodgers wishes the Steelers left for Paris sooner
Aaron Rodgers says the Steelers should have arrived in Paris earlier, noting the New Orleans Saints have been there since Monday. The Steelers flew in on a Thursday redeye and face the Saints on Friday, hoping to improve their 5-2 record and climb to the No. 3 AFC seed. Rodgers, who’s now played in three countries, expressed wishful timing via Mike DeFabo. The team’s recent overseas experience includes a 2025 win in Dublin against the Vikings. Other headlines mention injuries, roster moves, and a cancelled fan event in Paris.
Steelers news: Defense pushing for top 5 status
The Steelers head to Paris for a Sunday showdown with the New Orleans Saints, aiming to boost their defense into the NFL's top five. After six weeks, Pittsburgh ranks sixth in defensive EPA per play (-0.10) and holds opponents to a 42.43% success rate. The Saints sit 27th defensively, allowing only 0.04 EPA per play, presenting a prime offensive opportunity, especially against their secondary. A win is crucial for division standing and to get the Steelers' offense back on rhythm. Highlights include T.J. Watt’s return from a calf injury, Sebastian Joseph‑Day heading to IR, and a nod from All‑Pro tackle to Alex Highsmith.
Steelers rule wide receiver OUT vs. Saints, DeShon Elliott likely to play
The Steelers announce wide receiver Ben Skowronek is out for the upcoming game against the Saints due to a calf injury, while cornerback Brandin Echols also misses the contest with a hamstring strain. Running back Rico Dowdle and safety DeShon Elliott are listed as questionable after recent knee and ankle issues, though Elliott practiced all week. Despite earlier injury doubts, Alex Highsmith, T.J. Watt and Cam Hayward are confirmed to play, and Jalen Ramsey continues with his Week 1 wrist injury.
Steelers WR DK Metcalf done with playing overseas
Wide receiver DK Metcalf says he’s done with overseas games, insisting he only wants to play in the U.S. as the Steelers head to Paris for their second straight international matchup, following last season’s Dublin win over the Vikings. Metcalf’s blunt comment comes amid the NFL’s expanding global slate, which now includes London, Germany, Spain, Dublin and an upcoming Paris game on Sunday.
Steelers-Saints preview: What to expect from New Orleans’ offense, defense in Week 7
In Week 7’s Paris showdown, the 4‑2 Steelers aim to extend their two‑game streak against a 2‑4 Saints squad that finally broke out with a high‑scoring win over the Giants. New Orleans posts a top‑10 points‑per‑game rank (25.3) despite a weak rush (97.3 YPG, 19th‑overall) and only modest passing numbers (224.2 YPG, 17th). The Saints have capitalized on soft defenses, but struggled against the league’s best unit (Vikings). Rookie QB Tyler Shough matches Aaron Rodgers with 12 TDs and 5 INTs, yet the offense leans on quick throws amid a porous pass rush. Steelers should expect relentless inside‑zone runs, as the Saints’ run game ranks near the bottom of the league.
Steelers climb AFC playoff standings after Bears defeat Patriots
The Steelers climb to the No. 6 seed in the AFC after the Bears upset the Patriots 30‑21 on Thursday night. The Patriots drop from No. 5 to No. 9, promoting Denver to No. 5 and pushing Baltimore to No. 7. Pittsburgh (4‑2) now faces the New Orleans Saints in Paris on Sunday (Week 7). A win combined with a Browns loss could propel the Steelers to the No. 3 seed. The article also notes recent Steelers moves: DE Sebastian Joseph‑Day to IR, safety Rayshawn Jenkins released, CB Jalen Ramsey earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week, and NFL criticism over the Paris game.
BTSC Thursday Night Football thread: Patriots at Bears
Week 7 Thursday Night Football pits two 4-2 teams against each other as the New England Patriots travel to Chicago to face the Bears. Both squads feature high‑profile 2024‑draft quarterbacks, raising expectations for a more exciting tilt than the usual Thursday night slog. The BTSC thread invites fans to share predictions, key matchups to watch, and fantasy insights.
Steelers’ T.J. Watt limited with calf injury
The Steelers list edge rusher T.J. Watt on Thursday’s injury report with a new calf issue that limits his practice participation. Watt missed Wednesday’s session under a rest designation, and his status remains uncertain for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Other injuries include Jalen Ramsey (wrist), Alex Highsmith (groin), Rico Dowdle (knee), and the already ruled‑out Brandin Echols (hamstring) and Ben Skowronek (calf). Sebastian Joseph‑Day moves to injured reserve, and Cam Heyward again sits out with a rest designation. The Saints also report several limited players ahead of the game.
Steelers news: Jalen Ramsey looks to continue fantastic start
Jalen Ramsey is thriving in Pittsburgh, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week after a six‑tackle, two‑sack, two‑pressure, four‑stop performance against the Buccaneers. The former No. 5 overall pick posts impressive PFF grades—78.5 overall, 80.3 tackling and 75.7 coverage—and has cut his missed‑tackle rate from 19.4% in Miami to 5.3% in his first two seasons with the Steelers. Ramsey’s hybrid safety/slot‑corner role could propel him toward a Hall of Fame run as the Steelers’ veteran‑heavy roster continues to excel.
Steelers place DE Sebastian Joseph-Day on IR
The Pittsburgh Steelers place defensive end Sebastian Joseph-Day on injured reserve after a triceps injury, sidelining him for the next four games. His IR move follows rookie Derrick Harmon’s foot injury in Week 4, further thinning the defensive line. Pittsburgh will rely on Yahya Black, rookie Gabriel Rubio, Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton to fill the void. The upcoming matchup vs. the Saints—ranked 21st in rush success—could favor the Steelers, who rank tied for sixth in stuffed runs and recently limited Jonathan Taylor to 45 yards and Bucky Irving to 46 yards on the ground.
Steelers fan event in Paris cancelled by NFL
The NFL cancels the planned Steelers House fan event in Paris amid ongoing riots and protests in the Bastille district ahead of the Week 7 showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints on October 22, 2026. A league statement cites recent unrest over school conditions, cost‑of‑living pressures, and French politics as the reason for the cancellation, though the game at Stade de France will still proceed with heightened security. The article also teases related Steelers news, including Rayshawn Jenkins' release, Jalen Ramsey’s AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor, and T.J. Watt’s wife criticizing the Paris game.
Are the young Steelers living up to their new money?
After a 4‑2 start capped by a win over Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh evaluates the future of its 2023 draft class—its first full offseason under GM Omar Khan and A.G.M. Andy Weidl. The Steelers locked up three young studs: OLB Nick Herbig (4‑year, $100 M), DT Keeanu Benton (4‑year, $72 M) and TE Darnell Washington (4‑year, $42 M), while cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and tackle Broderick Jones departed. The article breaks down Herbig’s surge—two sacks against All‑Pro T.J. Wirfs after a sack‑less stretch—and questions how the new contracts fit with veteran pass rushers Watt and Highsmith. It previews a deeper look at each retained rookie’s development.
DeShon Elliott full participant in Steelers practice
Safety DeShon Elliott returns to full participation in Wednesday’s Steelers practice, his first snap since being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury and designated to return. The move follows the release of veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins, signaling that Elliott could re‑join the 53‑man roster ahead of the Week 7 showdown with the New Orleans Saints in Paris. Six Steelers remain non‑participants, including Jalen Ramsey (wrist) and Ben Skowronek (calf), while T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward sit out for rest. New limited listings are Alex Highsmith (groin) and Rico Dowdle (knee).
Steelers release safety Rayshawn Jenkins
The Pittsburgh Steelers release safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who signed on Aug. 1 and played in six games with 16 tackles before seeing his role shrink after the loss to Cleveland. His departure hints at the return of DeShon Elliott, who cleared his IR stint and became eligible again on Oct. 8. The move comes as the Steelers prepare to travel to Paris for the NFL’s first game there, facing the New Orleans Saints.
Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey earns AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 6 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ramsey logged 10 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks, including a walk‑off sack that sealed the win. The three‑time First‑Team All‑Pro’s versatile play bolsters a bruised Steelers defense as the season moves forward. The honor adds to Ramsey’s decorated résumé and underscores his reputation as a physical, game‑changing defender.
Steelers news: Zach Frazier has had tremendous start to season
In his third year, Steelers center Zach Frazier cements his value with just two sacks allowed over 1,540 pass‑blocking snaps and a 1.2% blown‑block rate (three blocks) among players with 100+ snaps, according to SIS Data Hub. After a rookie season of 12 pressures and 11 in year two, he has allowed only seven pressures so far in 2026 with no sacks. His performance fuels speculation that the team may soon reward him with a lucrative contract while navigating a contract standoff with cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
T.J. Watt’s wife calls out NFL for Paris game
Dani Watt, T.J. Watt’s wife, publicly questions the NFL’s decision to keep the Steelers‑Saints Week 7 matchup in Paris despite the city’s political unrest. She posted an Instagram story demanding an explanation, while the league promises heightened security. The controversy joins broader fan and media concerns about the viability of the game abroad.
Steelers’ Mike McCarthy named one of best new coaches
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell ranks Steelers’ new head coach Mike McCarthy fourth among the 10 first‑year NFL coaches in 2026, awarding him a B‑ grade. Under McCarthy, Pittsburgh’s offense jumps from 11.5 points per game in weeks 1‑2 to 28.5 points per game since Week 3, propelling the Steelers to a 4‑2 record and second place in a tightly contested AFC North. The win includes the team’s biggest fourth‑quarter comeback since 2002 (13 points). At 62, McCarthy brings 18 seasons of experience and aims to become the first coach to win Super Bowls with two different franchises.
Steelers Week 7 power rankings roundup: Starting to believe yet?
After a dramatic 26-19 overtime win at Tampa Bay, the Steelers tumble to the middle of the power‑ranking pack. FOX Sports lifts them to No. 15 (up two), The Athletic holds them at No. 16, while CBS Sports and NFL.com drop them to No. 17. Critics note the roller‑coaster performance – three quarters down 16‑3, clutch fourth‑quarter picks by Jamel Dean and Daylen Everette, and rookie Germie Bernard’s game‑winning TD. Aaron Rodgers sparks the comeback, but third‑down woes and sub‑average offensive metrics linger. The roundup highlights the team’s 4‑2 record, soaring rookie WR stats, and the debate over whether Pittsburgh finally found its stride.
Steelers Week 6 grades in win over Buccaneers
The Steelers snap a 4-2 slump with a 26-19 comeback win over Tampa Bay, earning their first victory streak of the season. Aaron Rodgers rallies in the fourth quarter and OT, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns despite an early interception and five sacks, earning a B‑ grade. The run game returns to form with Rico Dowdle's 40 yards and Jaylen Warren's 50, though it only averages four yards per carry (C+). Rookie wideout Germie Bernard shatters the team record with 11 catches for 87 yards and the overtime winner, meriting an A+ grade, while veteran DK Metcalf grabs 11 of 15 targets for 93 yards and a clutch third‑down catch, also receiving an A. The grades break down the Steelers’ mixed but ultimately winning performance.
Steelers news: NFL not relocating Paris game
The NFL confirms that Week 7’s international game in Paris will go ahead despite recent civil unrest, pitting the Pittsburgh Steelers against the New Orleans Saints. The Steelers aim to extend their 5-2 record and contend for first place in the AFC North, counting on rookie safety Germie Bernard and a strong running attack from Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle against a run‑vulnerable Saints defense. Meanwhile, the article notes related NFL injury updates and Steelers news, including a potential Marquez Valdez‑Scantling signing and coach Mike McCarthy’s defense of his play‑calling after a recent interception.
Steelers signing WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to add veteran wideout Marquez Valdes‑Scantling, a league source tells The Athletic. The 31‑year‑old will likely start on the practice squad, marking his second season reuniting with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Valdes‑Scantling, who joined the Steelers on Oct. 27, 2025, logged five games, 10 catches for 80 yards and a TD, and played three games with the Chargers this year. With Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson on IR and Ben Skowronek injured, the Steelers’ receiver depth is thin, prompting the move.
BTSC Monday Night Football thread: Commanders at 49ers
The 1-3-1 Washington Commanders travel to San Francisco to take on the 5-0 49ers in the NFL’s Week 6 finale. Who are you rooting for? What are you watching for? Who do you have in fantasy football? Join the Behind the Steel Curtain comment section and enjoy the game!
Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey reach personal milestones in Steelers win over Buccaneers
Aaron Rodgers and Jalen Ramsey each hit career milestones in the Steelers' 30-27 overtime comeback over the Buccaneers. Rodgers threw two fourth‑quarter touchdowns, giving him a touchdown pass in his 255th game—surpassing Peyton Manning for fourth‑all‑time. Ramsey logged 10 tackles, four for loss and two sacks, the first defensive back to produce that stat line since 2000. The win lifts Pittsburgh to 4‑2 as they prepare for a Week 7 clash in Paris against the 2‑4 Saints.
Steelers’ Mike McCarthy defends play-calling after Jamel Dean interception
The Steelers erased a 16‑3 fourth‑quarter hole to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime on Sunday, marking their biggest comeback in over three decades. After Jamel Dean’s interception set up a Steelers drive that stalled at the five‑yard line, Mike McCarthy faced criticism for his play‑calling but defended the choices, calling them “solid.” Aaron Rodgers later found Germie Bernard for the game‑winning score in OT. The win, highlighted by a record‑tying Bernard performance, sparks debate over the team’s offensive strategy.
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