Friday, October 31

Simplifying things: Linebacker T.J. Watt leaned in on a comment Coach Mike Tomlin often uses when talking to the media after practice on Friday.

"It's not mystical."

Watt used the reference in addressing what the Steelers defense needs to do this week and moving forward.

"Play better football, it's that simple," said Watt. "Every guy in this building. You guys know what it takes to be a good defense. There are no secrets, there's nothing mystical about it as Mike T says.

"It is just playing solid defense, and we need to get back to doing that. There's nothing that really needs to be said. We understand it, it's just putting action to it."

Watt said one of the things they did in practice this week was simplify things, an approach that seemed to work on the practice field.

"I think there's a way of simplifying things so we can play fast, as fast as possible and I think we've had a good week of that," said Watt. "We're trying to fix what we have wrong. We have a lot of things that need to be fixed, and we're just trying to chip away at it.

"I feel we had a really good week of practice this week. Simplifying some things in some areas and allowing us to play fast and physical football. Trusting in each other, trusting in the plan.

"But it's all lip service if we don't go out on Sunday and perform."

While there is a focus on simplifying things, that doesn't take away the aggressive approach.

"If you're not seeking splash, you shouldn't be on the football field in my opinion," said Watt. "We are all trying to make plays. At times I think you can definitely over stress to try to make plays, and it causes you to be out of your gap and things like that.

"We just need to play more gap sound. We need to all trust each other that we're all going to do our job and not try to play superhero football.

"We've just got to play better. It's plain and simple. There is no excuse for it."

Tough test for the D: The Steelers defense will have their hands full on Sunday going against the Indianapolis Colts, who lead the AFC with a 7-1 record.

The Colts have the NFL's No. 1 ranked offense, led by running back Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor has 143 carries for 850 yards, a 5.9-yard average, and 12 touchdowns through just eight games.

"It's the same mindset every week," said linebacker Nick Herbig. "We've got to stop the run game, and it starts up front with the defensive line."

Last week the defense was able to shut down the Packers ground game, but quarterback Jordan Love threw for 360 yards.

Trying to stop Taylor and shutdown quarterback Daniel Jones will be the focus this week, no matter how tough a task that is.

"I think we're just going to have to come out firing on all cylinders," said Herbig. "We obviously haven't put together a great performance yet altogether by our defense.

"Like I said, it starts up front, it starts with us, it starts with the outside linebackers and the defensive line. So, we've got to do our job.

"They have a lot of creativity, a lot of moving parts. We've got to have good eye discipline, got to have good gap control."

Herbig said the key to coming out strong as a defense is to play the way they know they are capable of playing.

"Everybody on our defense knows what we're capable of," said Herbig. "It starts up front. We've got to be better up front on the line. We've got to control the line of scrimmage better.

"I think that will in turn make our defense better.

"I think it's like typical life. You can always do more. You can do always better. How are you going to do that? How are you going to find ways to keep climbing and keep getting better?

"It's like (the movie) 'Rocky.' It's not how hard you get hit, it's how hard you can get hit and get back up. We've got to get up, lick our wounds and come back swinging on Sunday."

Providing inspiration: The Steelers will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Super Bowl XL as part of their Alumni Weekend, including honoring the team at halftime of Sunday's game against the Colts at Acrisure Stadium.

For cornerback Joey Porter Jr., it's an opportunity to not only see some familiar faces who played with his father, Joey Porter Sr. on that team, but it's also a chance to show them what this year's team is made of.

"It's a cool experience for all the guys that played in that Super Bowl to come back and spend some time with each other and reminisce about that time period," said Porter. "We know that it meant a lot for them.

"I'm going to try extra hard to go out there and get that win for them."

Porter said he draws inspiration from what that team was able to do in 2005, fighting back from adversity to go on a win streak at the end of the season and then win all their postseason games on the road.

"We know what they brought to the table. what they did for the black and gold," said Porter. "Everybody in this locker room, we're trying to just carry on that legacy. Especially me because I look at them like my uncles.

"I've been around this locker room for a long time, so I carry it a little bit different, and I just want to put on for them and do my best."

Needing splash: The Steelers were the shining example in the takeaway department the first four weeks of the season, leading the NFL and making things miserable for opponents.

The last three games, though, they haven't created any turnovers, currently ranked in a tie for fourth in the AFC with a +4 turnover ratio, and tied for seventh overall in the NFL.

Coach Mike Tomlin asked if it was players missing opportunities or teams protecting the ball better as the season wears on that has resulted in the lack of defensive splash plays.

"I would imagine teams are working to be careful with the ball," said Tomlin. "I know we work to be careful with the ball.

"Sometimes it's just not taking advantage of opportunities. I know we probably dropped three or four balls against Cleveland for example. And there is a price to pay when you miss opportunities.

"So, it's not only about producing opportunities, but it's about taking advantage of them. We hadn't done that. There have been some balls on the ground that we weren't able to recover.

"So, just going to keep working. We feel really good about our values regarding our turnover culture, the things that we tangibly do, physical labor that we do week in and week out. Not in the reactionary way relative to the fact that we're not getting turnovers right now. It's just a component of our everyday business.

"It has and will continue to be, because we value that component of play. Not getting the fruit of that labor but we are committed to continuing to work."

Tune in: Steelers fans who are unable to attend the team's sold out Alumni Weekend Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Acrisure Stadium won't have to miss any of the fun.

For the first time ever the team will livestream the program honoring the 20th Anniversary of Super Bowl XL on Steelers.com and the Steelers Mobile App. The livestream will run from 8-9 p.m., highlighting the portion of the evening that is dedicated to players sharing stories and memories.

Stay tuned to Steelers.com and the Steelers Mobile App for the live stream link, which will be made available on Nov. 1.

The Alumni Weekend Dinner, which is presented by UPMC, UPMC Health Plan and US Steel, is one of the highlights of the weekend, which also includes the team being honored during halftime of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Fans can also bid on an array of unique items as part of the Alumni Weekend Auction, presented by Acrisure. The auction is now live and runs until the conclusion of the dinner.

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Thursday, October 30

All aboard: Safety Kyle Dugger reported for duty on Thursday, putting on the black and gold for the first time.

"I was excited to get the opportunity to play ball with this team," said Dugger.

He said the message to him is he is here to help.

"Help the defense out," said Dugger of what he was told his job is from the coaches. "That was the main topic. Whatever I can do, that's what I'm going to do."

Dugger's immediate plans are to get comfortable with the game plan for this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts and the playbook in general as he settles in.

"Studying," said Dugger of what he needs to do to catch up. "Getting with the guys, ask them questions. Just work at it. That's it."

Dugger was acquired via a trade with the New England Patriots, as well as a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dugger was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the 37th overall pick.

Dugger is in his sixth season in the NFL, and has appeared in 81 games, starting 69. He has 412 total tackles, 278 of them solo stops, 24 passes defensed, nine interceptions, with two of them returned for a touchdown, three and a half sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown.

Dugger was a teammate of fellow Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers in New England for three years, so having him in Pittsburgh is making the adjustment a lot easier.

"That's my dawg," said Dugger. "Me and Pep were pretty close. I enjoyed playing with him, so I'm glad to be back in the locker room with him. And just him being here, kind of helping me get acclimated, talking to me, taking me through things, how things go, is big.

"He translates a lot of things and kind of relate back to this was that (in New England), this was the old that, and makes it easier for me to understand the new terminology and things like that."

Dugger is jumping on what Coach Mike Tomlin likes to refer to as a 'moving train,' and fells like he will be all aboard by Sunday.

"If I'm asked to play, I'm going to be ready," said Dugger.

Quite the challenge: To say Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts is going to be a challenge is an understatement.

The Colts come to Acrisure Stadium with a 7-1 record, not just best in the AFC, but best in the NFL as well.

"I love challenges, and I think our group does too," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "So, to go out and play against arguably the best team in football right now. Looking forward to that."

The Colts also have the NFL's No. 1 ranked offense, led by running back Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor has 143 carries for 850 yards, a 5.9-yard average, and 12 touchdowns through just eight games.

"Jonathan Taylor should be leading the race for offensive player of the year, MVP," said Heyward. "He requires everybody's focus. He is lighting people up. He is bouncing off blocks. His contact balance doesn't get talked about enough. We've got to have multiple guys at the ball. We've got to make sure we rally.

"We've got to get them to turn over the ball. I know we haven't had turnovers in the last couple weeks. And I think that's a glaring mistake on our part. But we're going to try and change our fortune this week."

While Taylor is the bread and butter of the ground game, the passing game is also explosive. Quarterback Daniel Jones is playing strong and has an arsenal of weapons that includes tight end Tyler Warren.

"I love this game because you're going to be challenged week in and week out," said Heyward. "And the challenge starts with us.

"It's a new week, new challenge. We've got to play better ball. These last two games haven't been what we want, but I think you've got to be playing your best ball late in the season. I like to think we're climbing to that. You have to keep trying to get better."

Heyward made some comments after the Steelers loss to the Green Bay Packers last week saying, 'there's not a lot of fight in us right now' during his postgame interview.

It was a message he also shared with his teammates.

"Anything I say to y'all, I'll say to them first," said Heyward. "We all have to get better. I challenge everybody. I challenge myself first and foremost. That's always the way I've been raised. You can't look at anybody else. You've got to look at yourself.

"The way to get this bad taste out of our mouth is just play better football.

"Let's fight. Let's play ball. I'm not going to shy away from it. I think we've just got to play better ball. If we have a problem with it, let's handle it on the field. Everybody's been open with me. I'm not running from it.

"Just know it's coming from a good place, and I want our defense to be successful."

A lot of the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the veterans on defense and Heyward is all about doing his part.

"I think it starts with the older guys in the room, setting the tempo, addressing that," said Heyward. "But it gets back to practice, it gets back to your fundamentals.

"I think sometimes you can try to play hero ball and try to get outside yourself. I think you have to rely on your technique, get back to it. And then when you get to that game, show what you're about."

A good addition: The Steelers secondary room got a boost on Thursday with the addition of safety Kyle Dugger, acquired via a trade with the New England Patriots.

"I watched him play," said cornerback Darius Slay. "I don't really play the safety position. So, I don't really know what to look for in his game.

"But I've been seeing him play for a long time. He's a veteran, I know he's a willing tackler, a guy that's physical. A guy that can do it.

"So, I'm excited for him. I hope he comes and joins the wagon and adds to the team."

One player who is very familiar with what Dugger brings to the table is fellow safety Jabrill Peppers. Peppers and Dugger were teammates for three seasons, 2022-24, in New England.

"Thats my dawg," said Peppers. "We go way back. Great addition to the room. Definitely fits what we're trying to do here, so I can't wait for him to jump on this moving train.

"He's a hard-nosed, smart, playmaker on the ball. Tall lanky guy who can match tight ends real well, as well as playing the deep coverage. He was dealing with an injury last year. He can run, he can play. So, I'm happy for him to finally get back on the healthier side and show the league what I know he can do."

Dugger's arrival is what the defense needs with the latest injury to safety DeShon Elliott, who was already ruled out this week with a hyperextended knee, and is considered 'week-to-week' per Coach Mike Tomlin.

Elliott is a hub of communication in the secondary, so filling that role, whether it be Dugger or someone else, will be challenging but the next man up mentality is always in play.

"It's tough for DeShon. We'll continue to have him in our prayers and making sure he has a speedy recovery," said Slay. "It's a big role for whoever has to step up.

"I know we've got guys that we're going to help fulfill that need any way possible, but there's only one DeShon. And we don't want everybody to be DeShon, we want DeShon to be DeShon. We want whoever is playing his position to be them.

"So, we've just got to go out here and just compete, play together and be on one stream."

A 'sweet' guy: Running back Jaylen Warren has been leading the way for the Steelers ground game, with 83 carries for 373 yards. He also has 19 receptions for 195 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he isn't surprised at the type of back Warren is.

"I saw him play last year, and I've always been a fan of his as a changeup back, and I always wondered what it would be like if he got a chance to be the guy," said Rodgers. "When I saw Najee (Harris) (left via free agency), I figured he'd get a chance. Then when I got here, he's so dynamic with the football."

There is more Warren brings to the offense, including an infectious personality.

"He's hilarious out there on the field, because he's such a sweet guy," said Rodgers. "Just some of the things he's thinking about from time to time is amazing.

"He's just always so positive out there. I love being in the huddle with him and being out there next to him, and just kind of watching him go.

"There's been throws I've made this year that in the past I wouldn't make because maybe there's a guy out there, maybe there's a couple guys out there, but I just feel like when he's got the ball in his hands, the first guy never brings him down.

"We had a play the other night, fake the pitch to him, came back, had some deeper routes I threw out in the flat, and if you pause the film, there's like three guys in the way, and he makes all three miss, and he runs over the safety for a 12-yard gain and just comes back to the huddle like normal, nothing crazy happened.

"That's what I love about him. There's expectations when he gets the ball that something great's going to happen, and his energy is very infectious for our offense."

You don't say: Much of what became a brief soliloquy delivered by quarterback Aaron Rodgers this week in praise of running back Jaylen Warren came as a surprise to Warren.

Especially this part:

"There's been throws that I've made this year that in the past I wouldn't make because maybe there's a guy out there, maybe there's a couple guys out there. I just feel like when he's got the ball in his hands, that first guy never brings him down."

Warren was appreciative and somewhat taken aback when asked for a reaction to Rodgers' comments.

"Aaron said that?" Warren responded. "That's huge. That just shows I have his trust. That's a great compliment."

From Warren's perspective, the admiration from Rodgers is most definitely mutual.

"Great, great leader," Warren insisted of Rodgers. "I love playing with him. I learn a lot about the game and he puts us in great positions to succeed."

Among the nuances of the game Warren is learning from Rodgers this season are "just reading defenses, being able to tell by where we are in alignment what they're about to do and what it brings, stuff like that."

Warren is getting more opportunities this season now that he's become the "the guy" Rodgers wondered if Warren was capable of evolving into from afar. But Warren has maintained the chip on his shoulder he brought with him as an undrafted rookie from Oklahoma State.

"That's how it is every year," he maintained. "That's how it's been my whole life, knowing I was doubted. I like to prove the haters wrong. I know who I am as a player."

Waiting for the opportunity he's earned this season "never bugged me," Warren continued. "My mindset was whatever I could do to help the team win. I knew they had their guy, which was Najee (Harris), and I was never gonna interfere with that. I just wanted to do my part, play my part and just help the team win."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

That much also hasn't changed.

"My goal is just to help the team win," Warren repeated. "Whatever that looks like, whatever they need from me, I make sure I'm ready to produce that."

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

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Wednesday, October 29

Execution is the key: Receiver DK Metcalf has seen what the Steelers offense can do this season, and knows there are just a few things that need tweaked to get back to that.

One of them being execution.

"We've just got to execute better and play 60 minutes of football," said Metcalf.

That feeling came after watching the tape from Sunday night's game against the Green Bay Packers. The offense was only able to get into the red zone once, resulting in a touchdown.

"The problem is getting to the red zone," said Metcalf. "Once we got to red zone, we've been able to score points. So, just being able to sustain drives and not being sporadic with the playmaking that we have or the execution that we had on offense.

"I'm a firm believer in the defense has to stop us. We can't stop ourselves. They've got to line up. They don't know our routes. They don't know our plays. We've just got to execute them better."

The solution in Metcalf's mind to executing happens during the week of preparation.

"It starts in walkthrough," said Metcalf. "Paying attention in meetings. Making sure we're all on the same page. Any questions that you have before game day, making sure those get answered so when you get out there, you're not thinking. When you play, it's just reaction."

Following the loss to the Packers, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said, 'you have to handle adversity better.'

Metcalf said he doesn't see it as an issue.

"I don't think we've had trouble with sustaining through adversity because we've done it a number of weeks throughout the first half of the season," said Metcalf. "I think it's just playing clean football for 60 minutes and playing our brand of football."

All together now: Cornerback Darius Slay knows there is more the defense can do after giving up 400 plus total yards in each of the last two games.

Now, it's just a matter of going out this week against the Indianapolis Colts and doing it.

"Try your best to keep working," said Slay. "We've got a lot of games left, so it's a great opportunity. We're still in a good spot. We've just got to play better."

What needs to be done to turn things around? Slay said it's about playing together.

"We've just got to play ball all together," said Slay. "That's all I see. Just play on one string. Everybody try to see it the best way they can, the same, so we can all play the same.

"We're just trying to get to know each other, play a little more. We've just got to put it together as one group. We're having some successful plays, we got to sustain them, keep them going and keep the fire going."

Slay admits he need to do more on his end as well.

"I always can play better," said Slay. "I haven't been playing the best, but I've been playing decent. I've got to play better. I know I've got a lot left.

"I'm making some plays, but I've just got to be way more consistent in the overall game."

Happy to be back: Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. was all smiles after practice on Wednesday after his 21-day window to potentially return from the Reserve/Injured List was activated.

"I feel good," said Trice. "I've been working for a long time. It feels good, though.

"I'm feeling good, feeling good.

"Any time I step on that field, I've got to be ready because the offense doesn't care about me. So, I've got always make sure I'm myself."

Trice has been out since training camp, missing the daily grind with his teammates.

"I missed it a lot," said Trice. "I missed the preparation. I missed getting ready for practice and just being able to go out there and perform and execute with my guys that I've been grinding with.

"So, definitely a blessing."

Trice has spent time on the Reserve/Injured List in each of the last three seasons, something that hasn't been easy.

"It's definitely frustrating," said Trice. "I feel like I put in all the work. I give the game everything I've got. I feel that I do right by the game, even when nobody's watching.

"When stuff like that happens, I just know I put my best foot forward, so I can't be too mad. I know I did everything I could. It was just one of those things.

"But I'm going to make sure I come on top every time."

Trice is hoping all of the injuries are behind him and he is headed in the right direction.

"I think I'm in the perfect spot right now," said Trice. "Whenever I'm out there, I'm there to make plays.

"It's me being myself. I have to go out there and execute the plays. Come out there with some juice. Come out there and execute and have fun with the guys.

"For real, I'm excited."

Making moves: The Steelers signed offensive lineman Jack Driscoll, safety Darrick Forrest and receiver John Rhys Plumlee to the practice squad.

Driscoll was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He spent five seasons with the Eagles, appearing in 67 games, starting 18.

Driscoll played college football at Auburn, where he appeared in 25 games over two seasons. Prior to his time at Auburn, he spent two seasons at Massachusetts where he appeared in 22 games.

Forrest was originally drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the 163rd overall pick.

He appeared in 40 games for the Commanders, starting 17. He recorded 126 tackles, 78 of them solo stops, nine passes defensed, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, one tackle for a loss and one fumble recovery. He also added 11 special teams tackles.

Forrest spent time with the Indianapolis Colts this season as well.

He played college football at the University of Cincinnati, where he appeared in 49 games, starting 36. He had 165 tackles, 126 of them solo stops, and four and a half tackles for a loss.

Plumlee originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Plumlee played college football at Central Florida where he appeared in 52 career games, starting 33. At the quarterback position, Plumlee completed 464 of 760 passes for 5,838 yards and 34 touchdowns. As a receiver, he had 26 receptions for 296 yards.

In 2023 he completed 161 of 256 passes for 2,271 yards and 15 touchdowns at Central Florida, after beginning his college career at Mississippi, where he played in 29 games, starting 10.

On Tuesday, the Steelers waived running back Raheem Blackshear and linebacker Jacoby Windmon from the practice squad.

Eligibility extended: "No. 74 is eligible" took on new meaning against Green Bay when offensive lineman Spencer Anderson wasn't just announced as eligible to catch a pass, he actually caught one.

That moment in the first quarter, the Steelers' second offensive snap, has been recorded for posterity on the official game sheet handed out in the press box on Sunday night: "2-7-PIT 23 (12:41) S. Anderson reported as eligible. A Rodgers pass short left to S. Anderson to PIT 27 for 4 yards (I. McDuffie; D. Wyatt)."

An occasion to remember, and perhaps to build upon for Anderson and the Steelers.

"I guess teams have to respect it," he said. "I don't know, we'll see. I think once you see an O-lineman catching a ball it's kinda like, 'OK, now we have to respect the passing aspect to it.' Obviously, when I come in teams are probably thinking 100-percent run. Now, 'We have to be ready for the pass.'

"I think it adds a good wrinkle to our offense."

Anderson might be in line for more than his periodic "No. 74 is eligible" role when the Steelers host the Colts on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium.

Left guard Isaac Seumalo (pec) was "characterized as questionable" on Tuesday by head coach Mike Tomlin. Anderson replaced Seumalo for the balance of the game in the third quarter of the Steelers' 35-25 loss to the Packers.

"I think Isaac's doing pretty good," Anderson said. "And if he's not, we'll see. Just like how it was in the preseason (when Seumalo often wasn't practicing), the line was me, (right tackle) Troy (Fautanu), (center) Zach (Frazier), (right guard) Mason (McCormick) and 'Brod' (left tackle Broderick Jones), so it's not like we don't know each other and know each others's calls.

"It should be fine if I have to go."

Anderson has stated five games through two-plus seasons, four in 2024 and one this season (as an extra tight end on Oct. 12 against Cleveland). And with one career catch under his belt, Anderson now has a keen appreciation for being on the receiving end of passes from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"I saw him go through his progression from the right to the middle and then I looked and went, 'Oh, oh, he's about to throw it to me,'" Anderson explained. "Before I knew it the ball was on me. All I heard in the back of my head was 'ball security, job security,' so two hands, get as many yards as I could.

"After the game I told the receivers, 'Now, I see what y'all are saying.' They're like, 'Yeah, bro, he zips it in there.' Which is good because it beats windows. The long play we had to 'Muth' (tight end Pat Freiermuth) in Cincinnati (a 68-yard, catch-and-run touchdown on Oct. 16), you see the safety almost pick it off but 'Muth' catches the ball and goes crazy.

"Obviously, he's not gonna take anything off of it for me. I just have to be used to it, which I was. I just wish I could have gotten more 'YAC' (yards after the catch)."

Maybe next time.

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Salute to Service: Linebacker Patrick Queen got involved in working with the military for one reason.

Respect.

Queen isn't someone who has a long line of family members who served in the Armed Forces, although he has friends who have, but he understands and appreciates the work everyone who has or is currently serving our country has done.

If there is one thing he has, it's respect for all of them.

"All the stuff they went through in the past, and then them coming back home and the stuff they go through," shared Queen. "I feel like we don't take care of them enough.

"I feel like there are way more opportunities out there for us to be able to help them out when they come back, having places for them and better ways to help them transition away from that type of life that they had to live.

"And just to say thank you. So, my little appreciation with the cleats, there is way more we can do, but it's just a little token of appreciation."

Queen is the Steelers nominee for the 2025 Salute to Service Award, presented by USAA annually to either a player, coach, alumni or staff member of an NFL team for embracing the pillars of the award, to honor, embrace and connect with service members.

Queen has and continues to do his part to help.

Since signing with the Steelers in 2024, Queen has been a big part of the team's military outreach efforts.

He has partnered with the Veterans Leadership Program (VLP), an organization whose mission is to provide military members with much needed assistance, by focusing on housing and career development to wellness and supportive services. Queen supported 100 veterans by providing them with hygiene kits, providing basic necessities they sometimes go without. He also spent time with the group, serving them breakfast so he could personally thank them and get to know them. It's a relationship that he is continuing to grow and build this season.

This year he is teaming up with Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard, , whose mission is to empower veterans' transition from homeless to home, ending the cycle of homelessness, and to assist all at-risk veterans to become engaged, valuable citizens who contribute to their communities. On November 11, he will support 100 veterans by providing them with hygiene kits, a basic necessity they sometimes go without. He will also spend time with the group, serving them breakfast so that he can personally thank them and get to know them.

For the second straight year, Queen will support veterans' programs through the My Cause My Cleats program in 2025. This year he will be supporting Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard.

In 2024, Queen supported Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) with his cleats, and auction them off to raise money for the organization to support the families of fallen heroes.

"This is the best country in the world," said Queen. "The freedom that we have, all of the stuff that we get to do that not most countries get to do and stuff. What I do is just a little token of appreciation."

Vote for Queen.

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Monday, October 27

A new role: Linebacker Payton Wilson went out to midfield on Sunday night for the coin toss as the special teams captain for the game, assuming the role that was held by Miles Killebrew before he went out with a season-ending knee injury.

It's a role Wilson takes seriously and is proud to represent the unit.

"In our Wednesday team meeting, they told us in the team meeting," said Wilson of when he found out. "So just really honored about that. Thanks to Coach (Mike) Tomlin. Thanks to Miles, he's a great leader. He's been a great role model. So just hopefully I can fill his role."

"We got in the team meeting on Wednesday. Coach Tomlin went over it and then it went on from there. It's a great blessing and a great honor."

Wilson understands it comes with responsibility, and he is not shying away from it.

"I would just say being a leader out there on teams," said Wilson. "Miles was the voice, everything on teams. Everything we did on teams, Miles broke the huddles down, ran our meetings sometimes, certain things like our Saturday punt meeting and things like that. So just taking that stuff over and being a voice in the room when we're struggling a little bit or something doesn't go our way.

"Miles was always a great voice for us in there. He was always great to everybody in the room. So just trying to fill that role."

With the Steelers losing the last two games, having players step into leadership roles is key, keeping everyone together and on the same page and making sure they respond to the adversity.

Wilson is ready to do his part.

"When things start going south, they really start going south," said Wilson. "We came out flying, had a really good first half. And then once things started going south, it felt like everything just fell apart.

"So, we can't really ride that roller coaster of emotions. Especially when the defense is on the field, we just got to do our job the whole game. It can't be one quarter, one good drive, and then the rest of the game, we have to do it the whole game.

"We've got a lot of ball left, so we just have to build. We have to get better on defense. We've got to do our jobs better, we have to do our responsibilities better, and we just have to play harder and more physical.

"We've just got to do our job. I feel like Coach is putting us in the right position. Sometimes we're just not making plays. Obviously, offensive coaches are great minds too. So, they make great calls, but we just have to execute. We've just got to out execute the other team."

Next man up: Coach Mike Tomlin has yet to address the severity of the knee injury safety DeShon Elliott suffered against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, but whatever happens, veteran defensive back Chuck Clark is ready to step up.

"I mean it sucks when you see a teammate go down," said Clark. "You hate to see anybody go down, especially a guy like that. He brings a lot of energy to our defense.

"I feel comfortable. I mean I'm a veteran player. I know this defense, know what's expected, know how to play football. I know football, so I'm comfortable with that."

Elliott is a leader in the secondary, a communication hub and someone who brings a unique style to the group that keeps them hyped.

It's not about replacing that for the secondary. Instead, it's about adding something new.

"Bring your own twist, honestly," said Clark. "Whatever you bring to the field, what you do, bring your own twists.

"I think communication is a big thing. Communication is where it starts and that's where we all get comfortable."

Being comfortable with every aspect is a key this week facing a strong Colts team that is in first place in the AFC at 7-1.

And with a team that is coming off two losses, and the defense giving up 400 plus yards in both of those losses, the key is not losing focus.

"Personally, I don't get frustrated," said Clark. "I love this game. I love what comes with it. There and ups and downs in it. But we're playing a game that children love, and this is our livelihood.

"So, I'm not getting frustrated with it. I definitely get (ticked) about things that happen for sure, but it's time to grow, to get better."

Hard work pays off: Receiver Roman Wilson scored his first NFL touchdown on Sunday night against the Packers when he caught a 21-yard pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

While it meant a lot to Wilson to catch that first one, it was more about the final result.

"I was more focused on winning the game and looking more forward to my next game," said Wilson on Monday.

Wilson finished the night with four receptions for 74 yards, including a 45-yarder. It's a result of his chemistry with Rodgers coming together as the season rolls along.

"Just working hard and really listening," said Wilson. "Showing up at practice and proving myself."

Sunday night was the most involved Wilson has been in the offense, and he said the key is just always being prepared for whatever comes his way.

"Just staying focused, I think that's the biggest thing," said Wilson. "Making sure I'm where I'm supposed to be at, making sure that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. So, if you prepare to succeed, then obviously it's going to work out for you."

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