Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson had an unsettling weekend overseas. According to the NFL Network, the third-string QB who is currently on injured reserve was jumped and robbed Friday night in Dublin, Ireland. Fortunately, his injuries were minor, and he remained with the team.

Despite all that, the Week 3 vs the Vikings was a nail-biter. A 24-21 Steelers victory, keeping the Dublin crowd on edge until the last snap. After the win, head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear the trip meant more than just the result on the field: “Before I even get to the game, I just can’t express enough the reception that we got here. The hospitality, the accommodations, the service, it was all top-notch, man. It’s an honor to represent American football here in Dublin.”

Even with the off-field scare for Thompson, Tomlin’s focus was on the bigger picture: the Steelers’ successful showing abroad, both on and off the field. Thompson was even spotted in street clothes on the sideline Sunday at Croke Park, standing with teammates ahead of kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings.

Pittsburgh’s defense swarmed Carson Wentz for three quarters, racking up pressures and forcing mistakes before the Vikings mounted a late comeback push by making two touchdowns, bouncing back from a 21-6 score.

“It was just a great trip, obviously. A component of it being a great trip is doing the job, and thankfully we were able to do that. We made it a little bit more entertaining than maybe it should have been, but the Vikings had a lot to do with that,” Tomlin added.

Beyond the on-field action, the Steelers’ visit to Dublin was a nod to the franchise’s heritage. Team owners, the Rooney family, trace their roots back to Ireland, having emigrated to Pennsylvania in the 1840s. They’ve long maintained a connection to the island, hosting a preseason game at Croke Park in 1997 and spearheading the NFL’s latest return to the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

As the designated home team, Pittsburgh received overwhelming support from the 74,512-strong crowd, storming to a 14-6 halftime lead. Running back Kenneth Gainwell found the end zone twice, but the highlight of the day came courtesy of DK Metcalf. Taking a pass from Aaron Rodgers, Metcalf powered through for an 80-yard touchdown run, energizing both fans and teammates.

The Steelers’ defense, previously criticized for allowing too many rushing yards, held firm this time.

Steelers’ defense shows strength while Skylar Thompson is poised for return 

Jordan Mason and the Vikings’ ground attack, limiting them to just 57 and 70 yards, respectively. Even Cam Heyward praised the effort: “This is the first game we stopped the run to an extent. That led to us teeing off on the pass rush.” While the team allowed some late points, consistent pressure on the quarterback throughout the game bodes well moving forward.

Pittsburgh will now enjoy a bye before facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. As for Skylar Thompson, 28, he remains on injured reserve after being sidelined following Week 1 against the Jets. Thompson, who suffered a hamstring injury during practice while serving as the team’s scout team quarterback, is eligible to return after Week 7.

When active, he is expected to serve as the Steelers’ No. 3 quarterback behind starter Aaron Rodgers and primary backup Mason Rudolph. A former seventh-round pick, Thompson has appeared in 10 NFL games, making three starts. In limited action, he has completed 58.7% of his passes, throwing one touchdown against three interceptions.

Now, while Pittsburgh will return to the U.S. following Week 4, the Vikings will remain overseas to play in London for Week 5.