The Pittsburgh Steelers arrived in Ireland for the first fixture of the regular season abroad. In 1997, the Steelers played a pre-season game against the Chicago Bears at Corke Park.

The Steelers return to Corke Park after 28 years, marking a legacy for the franchise. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, earlier this week, during a press conference, reflected on the late Steelers owner and the United States Ambassador, Dan Rooney.

“I think a lot about the late Ambassador (Dan) Rooney and how fired up he would be about this trip. How important the development of this trip was for him. I’ve been thinking a lot about it. I’m sure I’ll be thinking a lot about it this week,” Tomlin said.

Dan Rooney served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland from July 2009 to December 2012 under the Obama administration. He was key to the growth of the sport and Ireland’s love for the Steelers. Sadly, Rooney passed away on April 13, 2017.

Tomlin struck an emotional note in Dublin, posting “Thinking about you today, DMR” alongside a photo from Croke Park, a callback to the franchise’s 1997 trip.

The message resonated deeply with fans, reminding them of the team’s roots abroad and Tomlin’s connection to the moment.

But the international visit also brought unexpected drama. Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson, already on injured reserve, was attacked and robbed Friday night in Dublin, per NFL Media.

He sustained minor injuries and is reported to be in stable condition, staying with the team as they prepare for Week 4 against the Vikings.

According to a statement from Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten, “We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin. We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident.”  

The organization confirmed awareness of the incident and indicated that further comment will be withheld while the investigation continues. They had placed Thompson on IR on September 10 due to a hamstring injury. 

He was the third stringer behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, before he was placed on IR. After playing with the Miami Dolphins for three seasons, the 28-year-old inked a contract with the Steelers in January. He threw for 498 yards and four touchdowns in his three preseason appearances for Pittsburgh.

This is the second international face-off between the Steelers and the Vikings. The teams battled it out in Europe during the NFL International Series previously in 2013 at London’s Wembley Stadium. 

Steelers’ backfield adjustments against the Vikings’ defense dynamic

The Steelers are also facing an unexpected absence of the team’s lead back. Jaylen Warren, the star running back for the Steelers, will be on the sidelines. He was listed as questionable heading into Sunday’s game against the Vikings.

Warren is currently still recovering from his right Knee injury, which he sustained on Thursday during practice. According to the Steelers website, Warren was spotted warming up with a sleeve on his right leg but failed to convince the coaching staff he was ready to play.

Since Pittsburgh’s attack depends on Jayen Warren’s dynamic playmaking, his absence is a major blow. With the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 5 bye approaching, Warren has an opportunity to fully rebound and restart his position as the team’s lead back.

The Steelers will be playing the next game, after the week 4 in Dublin, on October 12 against the Cleveland Browns. But for now, they are missing more than just Warren.

Joey Porter Jr., Esezi Otomewo, Andrus Peat, and Alex Highsmith are inactive. The Steelers lose a key rusher, a top corner, and their starting running back.

So, Pittsburgh turns to Trey Sermon, Kaleb Johnson, and Kenneth Gainwell to replace Jaylen Warren. The Vikings’ defense is tough. Gainwell should see more snaps as a receiver. Johnson and Sermon will handle the ground game.