Friday, January 12

Taking the same approach: Rookie first-round pick Broderick Jones is excited to embark on something new this week.

The starting right tackle is ready to play in his first postseason game.

"It's a good feeling being here," said Jones. "But me, and everybody on the team, we are just treating it like another game, taking it one game at a time, continuing to get better at what it is we need to get better at. Emphasize the small things and work towards those.

"This is a surreal feeling, being a rookie, starting. Being able to get to this moment."

Getting to this moment, preparing for Sunday's Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills, has meant a lot of things coming together.

And that includes the running game.

"With the conditions we have been put in, being able to run the ball has been a big emphasis for us," said Jones. "We just continue to try and build and grow around that. Najee (Harris) and Jaylen (Warren) do a great job running the ball, taking care of it. Up front, we are trying to do what we can, keeping the holes open, blocking down field, pushing the pile, just all the little things it takes to make us great."

And speaking of conditions, the weather conditions in Buffalo are expected to be less than ideal on Sunday, with cold temperatures, wind and snow expected.

"I heard it's going to be pretty windy, cold," said Jones. "It's nothing we haven't seen before. We take it with a grain of salt and continue pushing towards our goal. Like Coach T (Mike Tomlin) always says, weather doesn't dictate running the ball. If we are able to run the ball at an efficient pace, keep that going, we should be all right.

"You never know how the game will unfold. You really never know. We pride ourselves on running the ball, so any chance we get, we want to run the ball."

Searching for greatness: There were a lot of shouts of 'Mr. Killebrew' in the Steelers locker room after practice on Friday as his teammates were celebrating their special teams captain being named first-team Associated Press All-Pro for the first time in his career.

Killebrew got a sheepish grin every time his name was shouted out, but deep down there was a lot of pride in his heart.

"It's an honor," said Killebrew, who learned the news from special teams coordinator Danny Smith during practice. "I'm truly just overcome with gratefulness, with humility. It's been a lot of work and just thankful for God. It's been a crazy road and to get this recognition, I'm just truly grateful for it.

"I'm tremendously honored. Grateful, all glory to Jesus. Thankful for my wife, whose been holding it down and supporting me all these years, my parents. Obviously, these guys on this team. I think it's completely reflective of all the hours that we've put in. We've got each other's backs and Coach Danny Smith has been leading us in a way that has been truly exemplary.

"So, it's been amazing to be part of this."

While Killebrew took time to enjoy his moment in the sun, he was also quick to point out what really matters right now.

And that is Sunday's Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills.

"We're in search of something great here," said Killebrew. "And I think we have the team to do it. I'm excited to see how far we can go, one game at a time, obviously, but I'm really excited about this unit here. It's different."

With a crazy weather forecast for Buffalo on Sunday, every aspect of the team is going to have to be at the top of their game.

And special teams are going to be a key.

Bills returner Deonte Harty had a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night, a play that definitely has the attention of the special teams unit.

"Special teams is always important if you ask me, but both teams take it very seriously," said Killebrew. "They're a very well coached team. I think that any advantage is necessary. And we're looking to make sure that special teams on our side have the advantage. That's something that we're trying to do.

"They're fast, they block well, and it seems as though they're technically sound. But these are things that are not foreign to us. That's something that we pride ourselves on as well. I don't want to take anything away from them, but I'll take my guys any day."

Headed in the right direction: The Steelers defense will be without linebacker T.J. Watt this week, one of the front runners for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

But they will get a shot in the arm with the return of safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee. 

"We're ascending in the right direction and we're getting healthy," said cornerback Chandon Sullivan. "We're able to mesh and gel when we need to and just play good ball."

Both players have missed the last three games, Fitzpatrick dealing with a knee injury and Kazee suspended, but now they are back in the fold at the perfect time of year. 

Fitzpatrick is the quarterback of the secondary and his return is something that is hard to measure. 

"It means everything," said Sullivan. "That's a leader of our defense, our captain. It means everything. It feels like it's been so long since we've all been healthy at one time. So, for us to be in the playoffs, the timing is perfect."

While the secondary is intact this week, they are well aware of what Watt's absence means to the unit overall and are ready to do their part to help compensate for it.

"We have to do it as a unit," said Sullivan. "We're missing the NFL's sack leader, so everybody's got to step up and try to find and create new ways to get pressure. I think we'll get the job done." 

Getting the job done is going to be required against the Bills offense, which has a multitude of weapons, starting with quarterback Josh Allen. And even though weather conditions are expected to be less than ideal, Sullivan believes the Bills will do what they normally do, which includes trying to hurt you with the deep ball. 

"He has a strong arm, and they live in those elements," said Sullivan. "They are used to it, so it's going to be our job to go out there and make it as muddy as we can for him. Just disguising our defenses, get as much pressure we can and try to make them as one dimensional as we can."

Sullivan knows the challenge that is ahead of them, but he wouldn't want it any other way. Being in the playoffs is what you work all season for, and they aren't about to stop working now.

"This is what it's all about," said Sullivan. "All those days in Latrobe and OTAs, a long season and being able to get into the dance. We don't plan on going home early. We're taking it one game at a time and just see what happens."

Do or die: Rookie Joey Porter Jr. knows what it's like for a team to make the playoffs, as he witnessed his father, Joey Porter Sr., play in the postseason during his time with the Steelers.

And his dad gave him a little bit of advice. 

"We're in now, so we got to work," said Porter of the words from 'Playoff Peezy.'

Porter sees a difference in the Steelers team today, knowing they are a long way from when they lost three games in a row just over a month ago.  

"It was a switch that was definitely needed," said Porter. "We had this conversation before. We played good football before. It wasn't anything new to us. We already knew we could get back to this winning football. We just had to lock in and communicate.

"Everybody's excited. We're in the playoffs. So, we just have to get to work and keep stacking these days."  

One of the keys Porter said is to just keep doing what they have been the last three weeks, not try to change things.

"Keep it the same thing," said Porter. "I feel like that's what we got to do. We've been living on this hill. 

"It's do or die and we have to keep doing that."

The need to finish: Stopping the Bills offense isn't a one-stop shop, but it does begin with trying to contain quarterback Josh Allen, who can create havoc with his arm or his feet.

"He's like a taller running back," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "He runs downhill, he's got strong legs, can make guys miss. The threat of the pass, along with the run, you always got to have your radar on and your eyes up. It has to be gang tackling. We're not asking our defensive backs to go out there and tackle. The d-lines has to, the linebackers got to finish and there's got to be a meeting at the quarterback"

Allen completed 579 passes for 4,306 yards and 29 touchdowns in the regular season. He also rushed 111 times for 524 yards and 15 touchdowns. 

"You've got to respect him, a great player," said linebacker Markus Golden. "He's proven himself the last couple years that he's one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. But you look forward to that. When you're playing in the playoffs, you know you're going to play the best quarterbacks in the NFL. We've just got to be ready for him and he is a great player. But we look forward to it." 

He isn't a one-man show though. Receiver Stefon Diggs and running back James Cook, who has 1,122 yards rushing, definitely have the Steelers' attention. 

"I think there's a bigger commitment to the run game," said Heyward of their overall offense. "Cook is having a heck of a season, over 1,000 yards. I think having that balance between Cook and Josh has been huge. Obviously, Diggs is Diggs and then the emergence of both of those tight ends. They really get after it

"The other thing that sticks out, they don't have a lot of injuries on the offensive line. That is the one thing that you really don't expect. Everybody is dealing with injuries, but their offensive line has stayed intact. They have been good because of it."

The gang's back together: With both Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee out the past three weeks, veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson made his first three career starts at free safety for the Steelers in wins over Cincinnati, Seattle and Baltimore.

But with Fitzpatrick and Kazee now back for the Steelers' playoff game Sunday against the Bills at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, Peterson could slide back to a more traditional cornerback role. Or will he?

"It feels great to get the gang back together. Get Mink back out there, the main communicator to the guys in the secondary," Peterson said Friday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex after the Steelers finished up their preparations to face the Bills.

"Getting Kazee back, (he's) one of the best post safeties in the game. So to have all of us back at the right time of the season is always a plus. We have to wait and see what the game plan will be moving forward with trying to find a way to get us all on the field at the same time. But that's a coach's problem."

It's a good one to have this week, especially facing Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen.
Allen accounted for 44 touchdowns this season, throwing 29 touchdown passes and scoring 15 rushing touchdowns.

And even if the weather in Buffalo is as poor as expected with snowfall and heavy winds projected throughout the game, Allen's arm talent allows him to make plays other quarterbacks wouldn't attempt.

"We're not paying that too much attention because we know that this team will go as far as Josh takes them," Peterson said. "We know that they're still going to rely on him to throw the ball. We just don't know throwing the short ball, if it's going to be intermediate, screens, still trying to take the shots down the field. We just have to wait and see. 

"But we've seen you know, games on tape where it wasn't a pretty day outside. They're still running their offense. So, we can't get caught up in the weather."

They also can't get caught up in not having outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who on Friday was named first-team All-Pro for the fourth time in his career. Watt will miss this game with a sprained knee, leaving veteran linebacker Markus Golden and rookie Nick Herbig to pick up the slack opposite Alex Highsmith.

Peterson and Golden were teammates in Arizona before coming to the Steelers. But Watt led the NFL in sacks this season with 19. Golden and Herbig combined for seven this season in just over 400 defensive snaps.

"We need both of those guys to find a way to be T.J.," Peterson said. "That's almost damn near impossible, but they gotta find something in them to give us an ounce of T.J. man because we gotta have it."

-- Blog entry by Dale Lolley

Voice of experience: Guard Isaac Seumalo acknowledged his coaches haven't often asked him to address his teammates in a group setting, as interim offensive coordinator/running backs coach Eddie Faulkner did this week.

"They usually know better," Seumalo insisted.

But given Seumalo's status as a member of the Eagles team that defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LII, Faulkner felt compelled to tap into Seumalo's postseason experience as the Steelers prepared to meet the Bills on Sunday in Buffalo.

"Absolutely," Faulkner emphasized. "Isaac has been here before. He was on that 2017 team in Philly that made a run and he has been no-nonsense. He spoke to the offense this week. Whatever resource we can pull from guys in hopes to get us heading in the right direction we'll use.

"The guys respect Isaac because of the way he goes about his business. He's a guy of few words but, obviously, when he speaks people listen, so that's cool."

Seumalo, not surprisingly, didn't consider his oratory in front of the offense memorable.

"It was short, nothing guys haven't heard before," he assessed. "It wasn't anything crazy."
The gist of Seumalo's message was "everyone just do their job.

"The biggest thing is nothing changes," Seumalo continued. "You don't need guys to be doing extra or somebody else's job or think the spotlight is any greater than it is. It's the most important game because it's the next game. Everybody do their job at a consistent level and I think we'll be fine."

How the Steelers got here is much less significant to Seumalo than where they go from here.

"The expectation is to win every game and, obviously, that hasn't happened," he said. "But I'm always where my feet are at so I'm just going to live in the moment and focus on today.

"Obviously, the run game's been good, Mason (Rudolph) has been playing well, skill guys have been making plays, the defense has been playing well. Nothing new, the stuff Coach (Mike) Tomlin has been talking about since OTAs.

"It's always about execution, and execution fuels emotion. Just gotta keep on keeping on."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Thursday, January 11

It's all about persevering: Najee Harris is preparing for his second career playoff game and there is one thing he wants to do differently this time.

"Win," said Harris. 

Harris was part of the Steelers team that lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round following the 2021 season and wants to turn things around this time. 

"Execute the game plan," said Harris. 

And he feels good about what they can do.

"I told the guys I feel more confident this game than when I was a rookie," said Harris. "All of us do. We feel more confident in the team. This is a good opportunity that we have in front of us. We're excited to just get going. It's just executing on what we have to do."

There is a reason for that confidence. The Steelers have had their ups and downs this season, but they are on the rebound thanks to the resiliency the team has shown. 

"It's part of the sport, it's resiliency, it's life," said Harris. "Bad things are going to happen in life. You don't want to be on a losing streak. You don't want to lose games. You don't want to have a bad game. But it's part of life. You're going to have bad days. 

"It's just about persevering. We had our losing streaks. We had our rough times. But like any other thing in life, you just got to keep going and keep pushing and that's what we have done.

"We're not worried about the outside noise. It's just something I guess for the fans. As an organization, as a team, you always know if you lose a locker room, you lose everything. We've never done that. We never lost the locker room, never looked at anybody's eyes and said I don't trust you. 

"We always knew we could be capable of this. We know that we could be capable of winning, winning out even to this day. We just got to put that on film."

Confidence in each other: Elandon Roberts is in his eighth season in the NFL, and in those eight seasons he has seen his share of postseason success.

Roberts was a part of two Super Bowl championship teams with the New England Patriots early in his career, bringing plenty of wisdom to the table, wisdom he is happy to share with younger players.

"I was a younger guy that played in big games at a young age," said Roberts. "If I can talk to my younger self, it'd be like, 'hey, man, keep your same routine. Stay dialed in.'

"Yes, the game is bigger than just me. You don't need to make no bonehead mistakes. That means just playing within the defense, playing with a lot of confidence. And just know the guy next to you got your back."

And when it comes to that next guy having their back, two of those players who are the next man up are outside linebackers Markus Golden and Nick Herbig, who will see increased playing time with T.J. Watt out.

Roberts has full confidence they will get the job done.

"They're right next to us every day," said Roberts. "I don't think you can go up to anybody in this locker room and think that they're blinking because Markus Golden and Nick are about to get their opportunity. Don't get me wrong. We're not taking anything away from T.J. But I think even with T.J.'s leadership, he would want us to have full confidence in them."

It's that confidence, that closeness and trust with each other, that had Roberts saying last week that he cherishes everyone in the Steelers locker room.

And he doubled down on it again today

"I mean, we are down the Defensive Player of the Year this week in this game," said Roberts. "Defensive Player of the Year. The Defensive Player of the Year this year should be, quote me on that, out this game. And I have full confidence in Markus Golden and Nick to do their job and do it very well.

"And that's what I mean by it. I cherish them all because I expect you, just like they expect me, to be great at each opportunity they get out there."

Ready to go: The questions were simple, but the answers were exactly what Steelers fans were hoping to hear from safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

How are you feeling?

"Good," answered Fitzpatrick.

Are you going to play?

"Yup," he replied.

Fitzpatrick confirmed he wasn't fully where the athletic training staff wanted him to be last week, which is why he didn't play against the Baltimore Ravens, but has made progress.

"It didn't have anything to do with the weather," said Fitzpatrick of why he didn't play last week. "I wasn't 110 (percent), and they kind of made the decision to sit me down. It's a knee, they didn't want me to go out there and make it 10 times worse.

"So, I think I could have played. I always think that, but they made an executive decision to sit me down.

"I feel good."

The return of Fitzpatrick coincides with Damontae Kazee returning to the fold following his suspension, giving the safety position and the secondary overall a huge jolt in the arm.

"It allows us to do more," said Fitzpatrick. "I don't know if that has to do with pressure or different looks and stuff. We've got to find ways to get to the quarterback without T.J. Watt. Having guys back allows us to get more looks.

"Obviously we're upset T.J. is not out there with us, but we still have a job to do. Having most of our pieces back is big for us. We can be more fluid, have more chemistry. I think it's good for us."

That will all be needed facing Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who at 6-5, 237, is a big-bodied quarterback with a strong arm and dangerous with his feet.

"Josh Allen is Josh Allen for a reason," said Fitzpatrick. "He has a cannon for an arm. He can make a lot of plays with his feet. Every time we play him, it's always a challenge. He's a big guy. He can move, he has good feet.

"He's a competitor. He's always going to be making that extra effort. He's not like most quarterbacks that will see you come in and slide. He will lower his shoulder and try to make you miss or pump fake. He's a great quarterback and presents a lot of challenges."

Allen has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, including receiver Gabe Davis, who is a deep ball threat. And even with the threat of bad weather conditions in Buffalo, Fitzpatrick expects Allen to take advantage of the success they have had with the deep ball.

"I still expect them to throw the deep ball. It's a big part of their game," said Fitzpatrick. "It's a big part of what they do. They have guys like Gabe Davis out there to catch the deep ball. I think they're definitely going to try. Josh Allen, like I said, has a strong arm. They play up there all the time in bad weather. So, it's definitely still going be a part of their game."

And speaking of the weather, Fitzpatrick said it doesn't matter to him what the conditions are. They simply have to go out and play.

"It doesn't matter," said Fitzpatrick. "We've got a job to do either way. If it's rainbows or sunshine or a blizzard."

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Wednesday, January 10

Relishing the opportunity: Cameron Heyward doesn't care if the Steelers are underdogs. He doesn't care if people are saying they can't beat the Buffalo Bills. He doesn't care what the chatter is outside the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

All he cares about is one thing.

Going out and performing as a team on Sunday against the Bills and coming out with a win.

"Everybody starts with a 0-0 record," said Heyward. "All you want to do is qualify for the playoffs, and then all bets are off. I think for the group we've made mistakes throughout the year. But for us, it's just winning one game at a time. Single elimination. Right now, your record doesn't speak for itself anymore, it only speaks for setting up a tournament.

"The ability to just play football, that's enough for me. When we play loose, we play at our best. We don't need somebody to say we're not this or that. We don't need you to ride with us or not. 

"We're just excited for this opportunity. We got a great group of guys that are just salivating for this opportunity to play some good ball. It's a new season and we're just ready for this opportunity. We understand it's not given to us. We've earned it. And it's an opportunity for us to go out there and play some good ball."

This will be Heyward's eighth postseason game of his career and he was asked if he relishes them more this late in his career. Coming off a question last week when he was asked if he is thinking about his future, his answer was very clear.

"I relish these opportunities because we're in the playoffs. Young or old, you should always relish this opportunity. Last week I was asked if it was going to be my last game. My concern is playing now and playing beyond this season. I appreciate the question, but you know I'm focused on this season and seasons after."

For the Steelers to fully relish this game they are going to have to once again count on their depth, the same way they have all season. And that depth has been a refreshing mix of veterans and young players who have all answered the call in their own form or fashion.

"We got depth. We got a lot of hungry dudes that are just relishing this opportunity," said Heyward. "We can create turnovers. And we're excited for this moment. 

"I think it's a mixture of veteran and young guy depth. Outside linebackers you got Markus Golden and Nick Herbig. Defensive line you got guys like Armon Watts, Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams. Safety wise, I know we got Minkah back and you got Eric Rowe and (Damontae) Kazee. 

"I think it's a mixture of young and old. I think on defense, we played so many different ways this year. I think it really benefits us."

Golden is a player who is going to be called upon heavily this week with linebacker T.J. Watt ruled out and Heyward knows he can get the job done. 

"One, Markus always brings energy," said Heyward. "He's a guy that understands his role, but he's ready for his moments. A clear example is the Colts game. We were down, but Markus never stopped playing with energy. 

"He provides leadership in the room of how to be a veteran and how to do a lot of things under the radar. He can be stout in the run game, runs great pass rush moves and stunts. We're very fortunate to have a guy like that. It's a great opportunity this week for him and Nick to really seize that left side."

Change of scenery: The Steelers moved their practice on Wednesday to Acrisure Stadium to get outside and work in the weather elements in Pittsburgh, which included cold temperatures, wind and a damp feeling all around. 

They opted to work at the stadium rather than the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex because of the footing on the field surface. 

"Thought we had good workday today," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Wanted to get over to the stadium because we wanted to work in the elements. Wanted the outside conditions and the stadium was available to us and so had a good workday."

Tomlin said the stadium is more of a 'game like' surface, allowing them to prepare better.

"The footing," said Tomlin for the move. "The stadium surface is a more game like surface than our practice fields.

"It was all about surface. No other factors were a component of it. There is heating underneath the stadium surface, so it was game like. A normal workday. The only point of discussion is the surface component."

Plenty of energy: There is a different vibe when the postseason hits and it was evident on Wednesday following the Steelers practice when you could feel the energy. 

"I feel like everybody's got great energy," said receiver Diontae Johnson. "Nobody was expecting us to be here. For us to overcome all that stuff we've been through this year, it's great. That shows that we're still together, we stick together with one another, and we're chasing this goal. 

"We take it one day at a time and we're just trying to win. That's all it is. Everybody's got that attitude, and they show it. The vets are doing a great job being leaders. That's what we need. And I feel like everybody's been doing that all year."

Johnson said there is a strong level of confidence among the team, something that is driving them. 

"It's high," said Johnson of the confidence. "I feel good about this week. We have a great game plan. They have a great defense. Their d-line is real good. Their back end. We have to make sure we are doing our job, come out with energy and make sure we win the line of scrimmage."

Johnson knows one element the team is going to have to deal with in Buffalo is the weather. He said he is accustomed to it having played at the University of Toledo, and coming off a miserable weather game against the Ravens can do nothing but help them. 

"Yeah, I've seen the weather, it's going to be bad," said Johnson. "I look at it as me playing in college again at Toledo. I've experienced that weather before. I'm used to it, so I know what to expect. 

"Coach T (Mike Tomlin) always puts us in those positions where we get to experience the conditions outside. He doesn't shy away from that. So, when you get in those moments, he expects us to excel as we would be at practice, because we've been training and preparing and come Sunday it won't bother us."

If it does, though, Johnson has an answer. Well, kind of.

Throughout the season Johnson has made it a habit of changing his gloves every quarter, and not even for the weather. 

He plans on doing the same thing this week, with the gloves weather appropriate. 

"I switch gloves every quarter so if it's raining, I'm going to wear rain gloves or how cold it is, different gloves or whatever for the cold. I am probably going to wear cold gloves.

"It's just something I do. I don't like wearing the same gloves throughout the whole game. Is it something I've been doing. I just feel like I've got to have a new set of gloves every quarter."

A new season: With outside linebacker T.J. Watt ruled out for Sunday's Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills, fellow outside linebacker Markus Golden is preparing for the next man up role. 

And he is preparing with the same energy, the same passion he has all year. 

"It's the same approach I've been taking all year," said Golden. "All year I've been going hard and staying locked in. Preparing and being ready. So, I'm just going to take the same approach and be ready. When my time comes, I'll be prepared to get out there and compete for the team."

Golden hates seeing Watt out this week, knowing what the NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate means to the defense and the team overall. 

"You hate seeing anybody going down, but your best player on your team, you want to be able to take him out there," said Golden. "You hate to see T.J. go down. But I know he wants me to go out there and go hard. He's still helping me this week. I'll be ready to go."

Golden, who is in his ninth NFL season, signed with the Steelers as a free agent this offseason. The former second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft has played in 127 games, starting 68, and has 51 career sacks. 

While he is no stranger to being an NFL starter, he has handled his role as a backup to Watt and Alex Highsmith like the utmost professional, stepping in throughout the season to make plays, including recording four sacks. 

"Every week I go hard, and I make sure I'm prepared no matter what's happening," said Golden. "But it's my first year really being a backup, so I'm not used to just sitting back. I'm always going to prepare like I'm a starter. I'm a self-starter at the end of the day. I know I've got to be ready no matter what. And I'll be ready to get out and compete and try to help my team win." 

Golden has been a perfect fit in the linebacker room. He is an experienced veteran who brings an amazing attitude that is contagious. And he said it's reciprocal, that the organization delivers that same type of approach. 

"It's just the culture here," said Golden. "This is a great organization and the guys have taken me in and helped me out since I've been here day one. And then it's me just making sure I do my job no matter what, whether I am starting or a backup. I come in and prepare like I'm going to play a lot of plays. So, I just stay prepared."

His reps will certainly increase dramatically against the Bills and it's something he doesn't think twice about. 

"I've been playing football my whole life," said Golden. "That's what I do. Playing football, you've got to be ready and prepared and when you've been playing as long as I have, you better be ready for whatever reps you get."

Golden knows what is in front of the Steelers team, knowing they can do something special in the postseason and make a run at it. He also knows how precious just getting the opportunity to play in the postseason is, something that isn't a guarantee. 

"You never know when you'll get to go to the playoffs," said Golden. "This is my third time in nine years, so you've got to take advantage of the opportunity. Everybody is excited about it, and everybody is happy about the opportunity.

"I've told young guys just lock in and be ready. Be prepared. Make sure you take every day seriously. Make sure you're taking your plays seriously. Knowing what you're doing and getting out there and be ready to compete, because you don't get this opportunity every year, so you want to go out there and compete at a high level."

While the last three games have been a preview of the playoffs for the Steelers with having to win out, Golden stresses nothing is like being in the playoffs. 

"This is the real playoffs," said Golden. "Of course, we had a tough fight the last few weeks that prepare you for the playoffs, but the playoffs are a whole different energy. 

"It's a new season. We get to re-start. If you lose you go home. So, we've just got to go out there to compete and have that mentality. Guys are ready to get out there."

Roster Updates: The Steelers have made multiple moves over the last few days, including restoring safety Damontae Kazee to the 53-man roster, placing safety Trenton Thompson on Reserve/Injured List, signing punter Brad Wing and linebacker David Perales to the practice squad and releasing quarterback Trace McSorley and safety Nate Meadors from the practice squad.

Kazee, who missed the last three regular season games while on the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner List, played in 14 games in 2023, starting nine of them.

He finished the regular season with 61 total tackles, 46 of them solo stops, two interceptions, three passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.

Kazee was back at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Monday, happy to return with his teammates.

"It's good to be back," said Kazee with a smile. "It was good to see everybody back here. It feels good."

He admitted it wasn't an easy time, but he spent it at home in California with his family, working out and keeping close tabs on his teammates since he wasn't permitted at the practice facility during that time.

"You always want to go out there and battle with your brothers," said Kazee. "It was kind of hard for me, but I got over it.

"They did a terrific job. I think it looks good. I wouldn't change anything if I was running it, so the defense and offense look good. Now, we're in the playoffs and we've just got to win."

Perales was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft and signed to the practice squad at the start of the regular season. He was released earlier this season and signed back to the practice squad on Dec. 11, and then released again.

Perales finished his career at Fresno State with 22.5 sacks, the sixth most in school history. He started 13 of 14 games in 2022 and finished with a career-high 11.5 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss. Perales had two forced fumbles, one interception and five passes defensed. He ranked seventh in the FBS in sacks. He transferred to Fresno State after starting his college career at Sacramento State.

This is Wing's second stint on the practice squad this year, signed earlier in the season when punter Pressley Harvin was injured.

Wing punted in two games for the Steelers this season, Week 4 at the Houston Texans and Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. In two games, he punted 11 times for a 45-yard gross average, and a 38.9-yard net average. He has two touchbacks, three punts inside the 20-yard line and a long of 52 yards.

Wing is no stranger to the Steelers, as he played one season for the black and gold. Wing appeared in each of the Steelers 16 regular-season games in 2014, punting 61 times for 2,668 yards while landing 20 attempts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.

Wing was traded to the New York Giants, spending three seasons there. In his first season with the Giants, he had a 44.5-yard gross average and a 38.9-yard net average. He had 33 punts inside the 20-yard line, which tied a Giants' single-season record.

In 2016 he punted 93 times for a 46.2-yard gross average and a 40.9-yard net average, breaking a Giants single-season record with the net average. He hit 28 punts inside the 20-yard line. He also earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks.

Wing, who played college football at LSU and played in the XFL last season, originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2013 NFL Draft.

The team had room on the practice squad after releasing quarterback Trace McSorley on Tuesday.

Steelers Playoff Sweepstakes: Would you like to see the Steelers play in the postseason in person? Enter the Steelers Playoffs Sweepstakes presented by Neighborhood Ford Store for your chance to win a trip to the Steelers Super Wild Card Round game. Enter Here: Steelers Playoff Sweepstakes

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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. Start your free trial today here.

Monday, January 8

Excited for the matchup: Another week, another outrageously good receiver is on the radar for rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. 

This time it's Buffalo Bills receiver Stephon Diggs. 

Diggs finished the regular season with 107 receptions for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns, punishing opposing defenses time and time again. 

This week it will be Porter who will have the task of stopping, or even containing him, and he is up for the challenge. 

"Another one of those great guys on the list," said Porter. "I'm definitely excited for it. I'm going to do my best to do what I do best, and that's lock these guys down. I'm just excited for the matchup.

"He's a top wide receiver in the game. A lot of respect for him, but I feel like I can hang with the best of them. I feel like I showed that on tape. So, I'm definitely ready for this matchup."

Porter has a confidence about himself that isn't arrogant, isn't cocky. 

It's just that. 

It's confidence. And it's something every cornerback needs to have. 

"I always felt like I was able to take on that task when I came into building, that confidence in myself," said Porter. "I've been ready for this moment. Now we're in the playoffs. So, it's just going to be a little bit more now."

He even has a tattoo on his chest that states exactly how he feels. 

'They fear me.'

"I don't know if it's a Porter thing or not," said Porter, referring to the same mindset his father, former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr. has. "Definitely always have that mindset. It's from Planet of the Apes, me and my dad's favorite movie, and I showed him the idea. He wanted to try to steal it from me, but we already got the same back tattoo. So, he let me have this one here."

Ready for Sunday: With linebacker T.J. Watt injured and according to reports expected to miss some time, the rest of the outside linebackers and defensive line are going to have to do just a little extra on Sunday when the Steelers take on the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. 

Linebacker Alex Highsmith has confidence that everyone, including veteran Markus Golden and rookie Nick Herbig, will answer the challenge. 

"I think we have quality guys who are going to be able to come in, provide a lot of pressure, provide a lot of great rushes," said Highsmith. "Nick and Markus, every time they come in, they provide great reps, get sacks, make plays. I know those guys can come in and make great plays for us."

Watt led the NFL in sacks during the regular season and finished the year in top consideration for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

Replacing that isn't expected. Stepping up and giving it all you have, that is. And Highsmith feels both Herbig and Golden will go that. 

"He has worked hard," said Highsmith of Herbig. "Every time he has come in, he has made a play. For him to be able to come in, he is built for this moment. 

"(Markus) is an awesome guy in the locker room. He is not only a great player on the field, but he is also a great teammate, a great leader. He is a veteran, he has been in this league for a while, he has been going at it at a high level for a while. I look forward to continuing to build that relationship." 

While Highsmith looks for everyone to do their part, he knows he has to make sure he does his as well. He said the key for himself personally is to just keep doing what he has been doing. And follow a little advice from Golden. 

"Just be myself," said Highsmith. "Continue to keep hunting. That is one thing Markus Golden always says, keep hunting. No matter what, keep hunting, keep rushing, the sacks are going to come.

"I am excited for the opportunity, the challenge. I am looking forward to getting there. I can't wait for Sunday. I am so excited to get there and ready to go."

Not what he expected: If you asked Myles Jack three months ago what he would be doing today, his answer certainly wouldn't have been preparing to play in the playoffs. 

Not even close. 

Jack had retired from football, moved on to his 'life after football,' and was content with where things were leading. 

Then a phone call came from the Steelers, and everything changed. He came out of retirement and the veteran signed to the team's practice squad and the last three weeks has been a key component of the defense that helped secure a playoff berth.

"God is good," said Jack. "You don't know what's going to happen in this life. I definitely didn't expect to ever play football again, but to be in this building, to be in the playoffs. I'm eternally grateful for it and very excited to get to do it. So yeah, crazy, crazy experience. Zero percent thought I was going to ever play football again."

But Jack is loving every minute of it and loving the energy that is flowing in the Steelers locker room. 

"It just feels like a new air, new energy in the building," said Jack. "We know right now everyone is 0-0. We got the Bills on Sunday, so you definitely tell there is a buzz in the locker room. Everybody's very excited."  

Excitement aside, they are also focused on a Bills team they know can create havoc for opposing defenses, especially the threat Josh Allen provides with his arm and his feet.

"Obviously very talented on offense," said Jack. "Speaking from a defense perspective, they have a borderline I guess some people say Hall of Fame quarterback, plus their receivers and everything. I think their running backs are really good. I think they're underrated. It's going to be a fun game for sure."  

The Steelers are going to need everyone they have to stop the Bills explosive offense, but one player they will be without is linebacker T.J. Watt. 

Jack feels someone will help fill the void, even if they have to get another player 'off the couch' like they did with him and safety Eric Rowe, another veteran on the practice squad who wasn't playing when he was signed. 

"I guess they got a good radar finding guys off the couch, me, E Rowe," said Jack. "I'm sure (General Manager) Omar (Khan) will find somebody. 

"A guy like T.J., you can never replace. Everybody has to step up and do twice as much as they've been doing. We've got great pass rushers, we've got (Alex) Highsmith, we've got Cam (Heyward). A couple of young guys that are getting right. But No. 90, you can never replace that. So, I'm praying for him hoping he has a speedy recovery, and we handle business and get him back later on."

A feeling in the air: The energy in the Steelers locker room was noticeably different on Monday.

You could just feel something, and the players, they felt it too. 

It's the playoffs, and there isn't anything like it. 

"It feels pretty energetic in here," said special teams captain Miles Killebrew. "I would say it's a lot different than other teams that I've been on. When I say teams, I mean other teams we've been here in the playoffs. It feels a little different. 

"There's a lot of excitement, a lot of energy. I'm very optimistic with how we're going to go out and play this weekend."

Killebrew said he isn't sure what is making it different, but it's just different. 

And that isn't a bad thing. 

"I can't really put my finger on it," said Killebrew. "I just think across the board, it just feels very cohesive, and I would say as a team, it's really exciting in this building today. Can't wait to see how this week plays out."

Ever since the Steelers lost to the Colts in Week 15, they have approached the season like every game was a playoff game. It resulted in three straight wins that propelled them to the playoffs, flipping a switch at the right time. 

"It definitely seems like this team that you're seeing play today is a lot different than maybe even at the beginning of the season," said Killebrew. "I think that might come with experience. I think that comes with just the camaraderie that's being built. But ultimately, I'm really just encouraged everyone seems to have each other's backs and next man up mentality."

Whatever they have done the last three weeks, they are going to need more of it this week against the Bills. 

Especially on special teams. 

Returner Deonte Harty had a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night, a play that definitely has the attention of the special teams unit. 

"They have an aggressive group," said Killebrew. "They're very well coached and so it's going to be a tall task for us. 

"I think the attention to detail is heightened. We are very focused on the task at hand. I can speak specifically for special teams. Buffalo has a great unit. We saw an explosive play just this last game. And so, we are on our screws as you put it. We're going to be paying a lot of close attention to who we need to focus on, honing in on this game plan that Danny (Smith) presents to us."

Back in the building: Damontae Kazee was back in the Steelers locker room on Monday after missing the last three games on the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner List.

And his energy was felt immediately by his teammates.

"It's good to be back," said Kazee with a smile. "It was good to see everybody back here. It feels good."

He admitted it wasn't an easy time, but he spent it at home in California with his family, working out and keeping close tabs on his teammates since he wasn't permitted at the practice facility during that time.

"You always want to go out there and battle with your brothers," said Kazee. "It was kind of hard for me, but I got over it.

"They did a terrific job. I think it looks good. I wouldn't change anything if I was running it, so the defense and offense look good. Now, we're in the playoffs and we've just got to win.

"They looked good the past three weeks, scoring points, Mason Rudolph, Eric Rowe, Pat Pete (Peterson) filling in at free safety. Never played safety before and looked great. Eric Rowe has been ballin'. He has Super Bowls. That speaks for itself."

Kazee said everyone played by the Coach Mike Tomlin next man up mentality, something that benefitted him early in his career when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. At that time, he and Steelers safety Keanu Neal were teammates, and when Neal was hurt in 2018, Kazee stepped in and had seven interceptions that year.

"Coach T preaches that all the time. Next man up," said Kazee. "That is how I got my name in the NFL. When Keanu Neal went down when I played for Atlanta, I got my chance to go out there and play. I got seven interceptions. Next man up."

Ready for more: If Nick Herbig's role is about to increase in the wake of the injury sustained by outside linebacker T.J. Watt in the Steelers' 17-10 win on Sunday at Baltimore, the rookie from Wisconsin will attack his added responsibilities backed by the support of his teammates.

"We've kinda had a bond this whole year," Herbig said. "I think they believe in me, which I appreciate. A lot of guys have just told me, 'Hey, we believe in you. It's your time to step up.' Obviously, T.J., too, is telling me that.

"So just having that support from a bunch of the guys, especially guys in the (linebacker's) room, my coaches, I'm just excited."

Watt was lost to a knee injury in the third quarter against the Ravens and did not return.
Herbig wound up playing 13 defense snaps (23 percent) in Watt's absence.

Herbig had played two defensive snaps in the Steelers' 30-23 win on Dec. 31 at Seattle.
One of those turned into a sack of quarterback Geno Smith, a strip and a fumble recovery at the Seahawks' 16-yard line, a turnover that positioned the Steelers to take a two-score lead with 4:31 left in the fourth quarter.

Herbig had played a season-high 45 defensive snaps (79 percent) in the Steelers' 21-18 loss on Dec. 7 against New England, a game in which outside linebacker Alex Highsmith was limited to 17 snaps (30 percent). Herbig responded with five solo tackles, two assists and one tackle for a loss against the Patriots.

Herbig is a regular contributor on the kickoff, kickoff return, punt and punt return teams in the kicking game.

"I had to try to stay ready and take care of my role in the special teams department with 'Coach Danny' (special team coordinator Smith), and kinda being that mental support for T.J., Alex and 'M.G.' (outside linebacker Markus Gordon)," Herbig said. "We talk about moves all the time. They'll come out of the game and we'll talk about what they've seen.

"So just being there for them in any way possible and obviously, times like this, being ready to step up and will this team to victory on Sunday."

Herbig is counting on inspiration from if not participation by Watt in Sunday's playoff game at Buffalo.

"T.J.'s the type of guy, he's gonna be the last guy here, the first guy in, the last guy out and he's gonna work harder than everybody," Herbig said. "I've always prided myself, that's the type of person and player I want to be. 

"Just being able to have a role model like him in front of me is special."

-- By Mike Prisuta

A look ahead: While the dates and times won't be announced for a few months, the Steelers know who will be on the 2024 regular season schedule, which includes the traditional AFC North opponents.

This year the AFC North teams will face the AFC West and the NFC East in games at home and on the road. In addition, there will be three games based on finish within divisions, with the AFC North teams facing teams from the AFC East at home and AFC South and NFC South on the road.

With 17 games on the schedule, the Steelers will have an additional road game this year, with the NFL rotating the 17th game on a home/away basis each year.

At home the Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in the North, in addition to the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants and the New York Jets.

On the road the team will face Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders.

Interested in ticket information for the 2024 season? Learn more here: https://www.steelers.com/tickets/.

Steelers Playoff Sweepstakes: Would you like to see the Steelers play in the postseason in person? Enter the Steelers Playoffs Sweepstakes presented by Neighborhood Ford Store for your chance to win a trip to the Steelers Super Wild Card Round game. Enter Here: Steelers Playoff Sweepstakes

YinzChat Playoff Challenge: Make sure to take part in the YinzChat 2023 Playoff Challenge. Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 9, answer daily trivia, along with predictive questions on gamedays, for your chance to win prizes each week the Steelers advance.

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. Start your free trial today here.