“Really are concerned”: Steelers insider reveals worrying player safety fear ahead of international game
December 7, 2023, Hookstown, Pennsylvania, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker MYKAL WALKER 38 celebrates after an interception with teammates MINKAH FITZPATRICK 39 and ISAIAHH LOUDERMILK 92 during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hookstown USA - ZUMAg257 20231207_zsp_g257_007 Copyright: xBrentxGudenschwagerx
December 7, 2023, Hookstown, Pennsylvania, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker MYKAL WALKER 38 celebrates after an interception with teammates MINKAH FITZPATRICK 39 and ISAIAHH LOUDERMILK 92 during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hookstown USA - ZUMAg257 20231207_zsp_g257_007 Copyright: xBrentxGudenschwagerx
The Pittsburgh Steelers will travel to France in Week 7 to face the New Orleans Saints, marking the first-ever NFL regular-season game held in the country. However, before hype for the international matchup builds, an NFL insider has raised serious safety concerns.
Ray Fittipaldo, NFL insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, did a live chat with fans when one asked which backup quarterback might get mugged in Paris during the team’s visit.
“You joke, but teams really are concerned about that when they go to these European cities,” Fittipaldo replied.
The Steelers’ quarterback room is currently stacked. Aaron Rodgers leads the depth chart, while Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar battle it out for the backup spot.
January 12, 2026, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback AARON RODGERS 8 looks up at the replay board while exiting the field during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA playoff football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh USA - ZUMAg257 20260112_zsp_g257_057 Copyright: xBrentxGudenschwagerx
January 12, 2026, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback AARON RODGERS 8 looks up at the replay board while exiting the field during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA playoff football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh USA - ZUMAg257 20260112_zsp_g257_057 Copyright: xBrentxGudenschwagerx
Although the fan didn't specify which quarterback he meant, Rodgers was certainly out of the question. The reason he brought up player safety in the first place stems from an incident that took place last season.
During last year’s Week 4 game in Ireland, former Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson was reportedly mugged and robbed. Thompson suffered minor injuries, and the NFLPA issued a statement expressing concern for player safety.
“We are aware of the incident involving Skylar Thompson in Ireland and are relieved to know he is okay. The NFLPA is actively gathering more information and working to understand the full circumstances surrounding what took place,” the NFLPA said back then, per NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Later, however, it was confirmed Thompson did not file a formal report related to the incident.
That said, as Aaron Rodgers prepares to lead the Steelers in 2026, a critical question remains: who will earn the job right behind him?
Steelers insider evaluates Mason Rudolph’s potential against young backups
During Fittipaldo’s chat, a fan asked whether Mason Rudolph still has room to develop like Will Howard or Drew Allar.
“I suppose, but I think he has a rather low ceiling. He's been in the league for a while now. He's been on different teams and played under different coaches, and he hasn't ascended to become a starter. We do not yet know the ceilings of Howard and Allar,” Ray Fittipaldo, NFL insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, replied.
Rudolph has been with the Steelers organization for over six years but started just 14 games in that span. Most of those starts came in his first playing season, when he finished 5-3 in 2019.
By contrast, Howard joined Pittsburgh in 2025 as a sixth-round pick, and Allar arrived this year as a third-round selection. The younger quarterbacks haven’t had many chances to prove themselves yet, which means they could still rise if given opportunities and developmental reps.
Who do you think should back up Aaron Rodgers this season: the veteran Mason Rudolph or one of the young talents in Howard and Allar? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Shubhi Rathore
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore