The Penguins snapped a four-game skid last night, blanking the Panthers 4-0 at home behind a 25-save shutout from Arturs Silovs and goals from Nick Robertson, who scored twice, Hendrix Lapierre, and Evgeni Malkin. The win came despite a battered forward group, with Bryan Rust out for weeks pending re-evaluation and Ben Kindel on injured reserve after a vasovagal episode on the team plane. GM Kyle Dubas says the 19-year-old still needs further tests and could return if doctors clear him.
The Steelers, 4-2 and off to Paris to face the Saints, picked up a new worry when T.J. Watt landed on the injury report with a calf issue, while Sebastian Joseph-Day went to injured reserve and Ben Skowronek and Brandin Echols were ruled out. The thinning roster has beat writers pointing to wide receiver as the one spot where Pittsburgh makes a deadline trade, even as rookie Germie Bernard draws comparisons to Hines Ward.
The Pirates handed out their minor league awards, with Murf Gray taking top player honors after hitting 32 homers across three levels and Seth Hernandez named top pitcher. Both prospects say they aim to reach Pittsburgh by 2027.
The Steelers' arrival in Paris hasn't gone exactly as planned. Weather prevented the team from hosting a workout at Stade de France.
PARIS , The Steelers arrived in Paris on Friday, a few days later than the Saints. Yet, because of Mike McCarthy's workweek and their success in Dublin last year, the team maintains trust in a "sound plan."
PITTSBURGH , Steelers are more talented than the Saints, so there are no bad tactics when it comes to winning this game. Matt Williamson breaks down the Steelers each weekday for DK Pittsburgh Sports
PARIS , Je voudrais voir … or what I'd like to see Sunday from the football team. Award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Monday-Friday morning commentary on the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers improved their playoff position to sixth seed after New England's loss to Chicago on Thursday night. Pittsburgh now sits at 4-2 and faces New Orleans in Paris this Sunday. A Steelers victory combined with a Browns defeat could vault them as high as the third seed, making this week's matchup crucial for their postseason positioning.
Locked On Steelers: Joey Porter Jr. returned to Steelers practice this week after an extended absence, signaling a potential breakthrough in his stalled contract negotiations. While the cornerback attributed his absence primarily to a back injury rather than money disputes, observers remain cautiously optimistic that his return could accelerate deal-making with roughly two weeks before the season opener. However, the two sides remain significantly apart on guaranteed money and other terms.
Pittsburgh's run defense has held strong recently despite missing key player Derrick Harmon, containing talented backs like Jonathan Taylor and Bucky Irving. With safety DeShon Elliott potentially returning and depth players stepping up, the Steelers believe they can maintain this performance through at least two more games before Harmon's expected return after the bye week.
Pittsburgh's offensive line has steadily improved since a shaky start, with coach James Campen crediting better communication and fewer repeated mistakes. The group has benefited from staying healthy and making strategic lineup adjustments, opening more running lanes and better protecting the quarterback. They'll face a Saints defense with vulnerabilities this week, though New Orleans still has talented pass rushers to contend with.
Second-round pick Germie Bernard has emerged as a star for Pittsburgh after injuries sidelined other receivers, catching 24 passes through six weeks and scoring the game-winning touchdown against Tampa Bay. Aaron Rodgers has grown increasingly confident in the rookie, targeting him heavily in an offense built for short and intermediate routes where Bernard excels. His breakout suggests he'll remain a key piece even when injured teammates return.
Aaron Rodgers expressed frustration about the Steelers' late arrival in Paris, wishing they'd traveled earlier in the week like the Saints did to better adjust to the time difference. The veteran quarterback noted he's played internationally three times and each time the team departed Thursday evening, making an earlier Monday departure preferable for preparation.
Pittsburgh's defense is knocking on the door of elite status through six weeks, ranking sixth in key efficiency metrics. The Steelers face a vulnerable Saints offense in Paris on Sunday, giving Pittsburgh's struggling offense a chance to build momentum against one of the league's worst defenses. A win keeps the division race tight while potentially sparking offensive consistency going forward.
The Steelers will be without receiver Ben Skowronek and cornerback Brandin Echols due to injuries, though several key defensive players including T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are expected to play. Safety DeShon Elliott appears likely to suit up despite being listed questionable after practicing fully all week. Running back Rico Dowdle's status remains uncertain with a new knee issue.
The Steelers are in Paris for an international game, marking their second consecutive season playing abroad. Star receiver DK Metcalf has made clear he's not interested in future overseas contests, citing his preference to keep football stateside. The NFL continues expanding its international schedule, but Metcalf's stance reflects some players' frustration with the travel demands.
The Saints' offense looks better on paper than it actually is, having feasted on weak defenses while struggling miserably against strong ones. Their rushing attack ranks near the bottom of the league, forcing young quarterback Tyler Shough to shoulder most of the load. Pittsburgh's defense should focus on generating pressure, as Shough's performance drops significantly when defenders get in his face.
PARIS , The Steelers’ plane had not even touched down at Charles De Gaulle Airport and Mike McCarthy had already called his first...
PARIS , Sunday will mark almost one year to the day that DeShon Elliott suffered a horrific leg injury, his hamstring getting detached from...
PARIS , The NFL, which is looking to expand its global reach by playing regular season games overseas, has apparently discussed playing...
The Steelers travel to Paris for an international matchup against an evenly matched Saints team, making individual battles crucial. Key storylines include whether edge rusher Alex Highsmith can exploit a vulnerable backup tackle, if tight end Pat Freiermuth dominates against a struggling Saints middle defense, and whether cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. can contain star receiver Chris Olave.
The Saints defense has been generating consistent pressure this season and hopes to overwhelm Aaron Rodgers when New Orleans travels to Paris. With 15 sacks already, the team's front seven is confident they can replicate recent performances against Cleveland and Tampa Bay. Chase Young has emerged as a pass-rush threat, while the Saints believe a strong defensive effort will be key to winning abroad.
Star pass rusher T.J. Watt cleared the injury report and will play Sunday despite a calf issue. Safety DeShon Elliott, working back from a serious injury, is questionable but appears close to returning. Running back Rico Dowdle's status remains uncertain with a new knee problem after missing time earlier this season.
After beating Tampa Bay, Rodgers faced an unusual dilemma: multiple opponents wanted his game-worn jersey as a memento. He ultimately gave it to his former teammate Kenneth Gainwell, promising the others he'd mail clean jerseys instead. The gesture highlights how players seek keepsakes from the veteran quarterback in what may be his final season.
The Steelers are high on undrafted rookie Kevin Jobity Jr. as injuries deplete their defensive line rotation. While he struggles against the run, scouts praise his pass-rush skills, making him a potential third-down option. His athleticism and tape have impressed coaches enough that he could see significant snaps and potentially outpace fellow backup Gabriel Rubio.
The Terrible Podcast breaks down Pittsburgh's Week 7 matchup against New Orleans in Paris, examining how injuries to the defensive line will reshape the roster and whether the Steelers can establish their running game. The hosts preview both offenses and defenses while discussing key third-down matchups, then round out the episode with picks against the spread for the week's remaining games.
Germie Bernard has emerged as Aaron Rodgers' preferred target over the past two weeks, drawing praise from analyst Kyle Brandt for showing stronger chemistry with the quarterback than DK Metcalf has demonstrated since joining the Steelers. Bernard's recent standout performances, including back-to-back 80-yard games, highlight his ability to make plays after the catch and work effectively in the offense, while Metcalf continues his slow integration despite recent improvement.
The Steelers head to Paris for their Week 7 matchup against the Saints riding momentum from an overtime comeback. Analysts highlight several key matchups, including whether Pittsburgh's secondary can contain star receiver Chris Olave and if the defense can pressure backup quarterback Tyler Shough. The Steelers' run game could exploit New Orleans' weak run defense, while emerging receiver Germie Bernard may see increased opportunities against a vulnerable Saints secondary.
Rookie receiver Germie Bernard has impressed the Steelers with consecutive strong performances, earning quarterback trust despite injuries at the position. Tight end Darnell Washington credits Bernard's willingness to block and notes their shared Las Vegas high school background. Both players figure to be cornerstones of Pittsburgh's offense going forward, regardless of future quarterback changes.
Paris police blocked a PSG soccer match scheduled for the same day as the Steelers-Saints NFL game in the city, citing civil unrest concerns. The NFL game is proceeding as planned with enhanced security measures, suggesting authorities view managing one major event as more feasible than coordinating two simultaneous sporting events during ongoing protests.
Injuries to Pittsburgh's defensive line have thrust rookie Gabriel Rubio into action, and he's handling the opportunity well. Though he acknowledges obvious mistakes to correct, his confidence is building as he logs meaningful snaps. His run defense has been effective early, but he needs to develop as a pass rusher to become a complete player.
Mike McCarthy is impressed with how well Aaron Rodgers is performing in their reunion with the Steelers, praising his throwing ability and football intelligence despite being 42. After recovering from an Achilles injury, Rodgers is moving better and showing flashes of his peak form, helping Pittsburgh reach 4-2. McCarthy believes the offense will continue improving as long as the team stays healthy.
Jacksonville's first-round left tackle Anton Harrison is done for the season after tearing his ACL, forcing backup Walker Little into the starting role. While Little has starting experience and didn't allow sacks in his debut, the Jaguars' protection could be vulnerable when Pittsburgh's strong pass rush visits in Week 14.
Aaron Rodgers expressed frustration about the Steelers' late arrival in Paris, saying he'd prefer to travel Monday like the Saints did to better acclimate to international play. He's now 1-2 in three overseas games where teams arrived Thursday or Friday, suggesting earlier arrival might help with adjustment. The coaching staff faces pressure to overcome the travel disadvantage in Week 7.
The Saints believe they can match Pittsburgh's physical style despite sitting below .500, pointing to favorable defensive matchups across the board. New Orleans will need to contain Aaron Rodgers, who's been playing well lately, while their own offense features Chris Olave and young QB Tyler Shough. The Steelers face the added challenge of playing on the road again after struggling away from home.
The Steelers signed veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad, reuniting him with Aaron Rodgers and coach Mike McCarthy after they all worked together in Green Bay. With multiple receivers injured, Valdes-Scantling impressed in practice and could potentially play Sunday against New Orleans in Paris, though he'll need to quickly adjust to the current offensive scheme.
The Saints' offense ranks surprisingly well in red zone efficiency and third-down conversion rate despite middling overall statistics. Pittsburgh's defense must account for multiple rushing threats, aggressive fourth-down calls, and a no-huddle approach that can create substitution problems. Quarterback Tyler Shough excels in scoring situations but struggles elsewhere, while receiver Chris Olave demands constant attention across the formation.
The Saints have two starters listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. Guard Cesar Ruiz missed most of the week with a knee injury but returned to limited practice Friday, leaving his status uncertain. Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd was also designated questionable despite practicing fully earlier in the week with an illness.
Lew Nichols has been quietly contributing to the Steelers despite limited offensive touches. The video examines his underrated work on special teams over recent weeks, showcasing three standout moments that don't necessarily appear in traditional statistics. If you're curious about depth contributors making an impact beyond the box score, this breakdown is worth your time.
The Steelers face defensive line depth issues with injuries sidelining key players, forcing rookies Gabriel Rubio and potentially Kevin Jobity Jr. into action. Veteran Keeanu Benton is mentoring the young linemen, emphasizing transparency and confidence-building to help them transition quickly. Both prospects have impressed with their eagerness to learn since training camp.
New Orleans' defense ranks near the bottom of the league in most categories, particularly against the run where they allow nearly 140 yards per game and have surrendered the most rushing touchdowns. The Saints' secondary struggles with coverage consistency and big plays, though they do force turnovers at an above-average rate. Pittsburgh's offense should find opportunities to exploit soft interior gaps and take advantage of New Orleans' overall defensive vulnerability.
The Steelers lost a key defensive lineman to injury, but Cameron Heyward believes the young replacements are ready for expanded roles. Rookie Gabriel Rubio has already shown promise in limited snaps, while undrafted free agent Kevin Jobity Jr. impressed enough in training camp to make the roster. Coach Mike Tomlin's investment in developing depth along the line may pay dividends soon.
The Steelers face a receiver shortage with injuries sidelining key players, leaving Aaron Rodgers heavily dependent on just two healthy options. A columnist argues that if Pittsburgh is competitive at the bye week, GM Omar Khan should pursue a trade deadline acquisition to maximize their Super Bowl window, though the team's past trade results have been mixed.