Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Friday expressed confidence in the NFL to make security decisions around staging a game in Paris amid recent civil unrest in the city.
The Pittsburgh star spoke at a news conference inside a downtown hotel shortly after the team arrived in the capital for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France.
“I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what’s going on,” Rodgers said. “This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here.”
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern about the game: “I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match.”
A morning practice for the Steelers at Stade de France was canceled because of bad weather, the team said. There was wind and light rain in Paris.
The Steelers flew from Pittsburgh overnight and had planned the outdoor practice at 11 a.m. local time, but it was called off 90 minutes beforehand.
Sunday’s game is going ahead despite the civil unrest in Paris and other cities in France. More demonstrations are planned for this weekend.
The U.S. State Department late Thursday issued a security alert: “Numerous groups submitted plans for protests on Saturday, October 24. Americans in Paris for the NFL game on Sunday, October 25 should also exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. While permits may be filed for demonstration routes, last-minute changes can happen and protests can occur outside planned routes.”
On Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said preparations were made in consultation with U.S. and French authorities. Street protests, he said, “are not unusual in France.”
A weekend event for Steelers fans was canceled Thursday because of security concerns.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said the team is “very confident” that the team’s experience will be positive.
T.J. Watt says he is ‘good to go’
Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt is dealing with a calf issue, according to Thursday’s injury report. Watt, who had already been on the report as resting, was listed as limited in practice Thursday.
At the team’s hotel Friday, Watt didn’t seem concerned.
“I feel really good, honestly,” he said when asked about the time difference and his calf. “I just try to hydrate as much as possible, was able to sleep on the plane, just hit an espresso so I should be good to go.”
McCarthy said he’s not concerned about Watt’s availability but that technically the decision would be made after Saturday’s practice.
Watt, who has 4.5 sacks this season, said that after team meetings he and some other players would “do some things around town, camaraderie things and get a meal. Just try to hang out, fellowship as much as possible.”
Injury updates
Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (knee) has been a full participant this week. A decision on his game availability will be made after Saturday’s practice, McCarthy said.
“He’s one of our leaders. Just to watch him fight back from this injury — he’s definitely someone you root for,” the coach said. “It’s been a real milestone for him to get to this point. It’s been a long road back, but he’s a big part of what we’re about in Pittsburgh.”
DE Sebastian Joseph-Day was placed on the injured reserve list Thursday.
Home cooking for Metcalf
Wide receiver DK Metcalf had a big day in Dublin last year, scoring on an 80-yard touchdown reception in Pittsburgh’s win over the Minnesota Vikings. He had five catches for 126 yards in the 24-21 victory.
But it turns out he’s not a big fan of the international games. He was asked if he has a wish list of new cities.
“No, sir, because I really don’t like traveling to play football outside the U.S.,” he said, smiling, “but it’s kind of in our job description right now.”
The NFL is playing a record nine international games this season.
Storm Austen impacting Paris
A flag football event scheduled Friday near the Eiffel Tower was canceled because of the weather, NFL France announced.
Storm Austen was moving across the English Channel and was expected to bring strong winds to the region. The French national weather service put Paris and 22 other regions under an “orange alert” Friday because of the high winds.
The Saints are based in Versailles and practice at Stade Municipal Montbauron. The league said that because of “elevated wind and rain conditions” there would be no media viewing of practice.
The Saints came to Paris directly from New York after beating the Giants last Sunday.
READ MORE:Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers backs NFL on holding game in Paris despite recent unrest
