Thursday, December 14

Every game is a must win: Linebacker T.J. Watt was cleared from the concussion protocol on Wednesday night and on Thursday he has just one thing on his mind.

The Indianapolis Colts. 

Many in the Steelers locker room are looking at Saturday's game as a must-win game, a playoff-type of game. 

For Watt, it's no different than any other week. 

"You know me. Every game is a must win," said Watt. "People amplify things as we get close to the playoffs. People like to look at where other people are. At the end of the day, it's about this locker room. It's about us handling our business and everything should take care of itself. 

"I am not looking forward to anything but the Colts this week."

The one thing Watt said everyone in the locker room has to focus on is their own job and doing it to the absolute best of their ability. 
 
"It's all about accountability, doing all the little things right," said Watt. "Instilling confidence in your teammates that you are doing your job. It starts with every man looking in the mirror at himself. I thought we had a good week of practice and hopefully it makes for a good showing on Saturday."

Playoff feel: Saturday's game against the Indianapolis Colts will be a battle to stay in the playoff picture, with both teams sitting at 7-6 and holding a wild card spot if the playoffs started today. 

But the playoffs don't start today and there is a lot of football still to be played. 

And it begins on Saturday with a game the Steelers feel takes on a playoff-like feeling. 

"We have to have an attitude that the playoffs start now," said tight end Pat Freiermuth. "We can't drop one. There is no leeway. We have to continue to work, address each week one at a time, and come out on top."

Rookie Joey Porter Jr. knows what the implications are. He understands what is on the line and has confidence they are going to attack it head on. 

"If we lock in on what we have to do, we will have a chance," said Porter. "This is the point of the season that it's do or die, and we are ready. 

"We have to win out. It gives everyone more juice." 

Rookie linebacker Nick Herbig knows it's a must win. 

But that is the mindset he has every week. 

"Every game is a must win," said Herbig. "We want to be 13-0 right now. Every game is a must win."  

The Steelers are one of six teams with a 7-6 record, so one game can quickly flip the standings in either direction.

 "We all are very aware of how important this week is, and we are starting with that," said returner Godwin Igwebuike. "It has big implications of our goal of the playoffs and beyond. We take it week-by-week, but we are aware this week is a playoff game for us. 

"We know the situation it puts us in and how it can bring us one step closer to where we want to be."

Getting his shot: It wasn't until he got a text from a friend that Godwin Igwebuike was aware that he is now slotted as the 'starter' at the kick return spot on the Steelers depth chart, something that happened with the latest release of the depth chart. 

"I really wasn't even aware," said Igwebuike. "Somebody texted me and told me. For me, it's continuing week-by-week to help this team win on special teams. That is my main role here. Just continuing to take each week with urgency, like Mike T(omlin) talks about, especially with these last couple of games to secure our spot in the playoffs. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to not just be on kickoff return, but even to block on punt returns, run down on kickoffs. Whatever have you. I come with a willing spirit and am looking forward to that."

That urgency is something he knows has to be balanced. He is aware that when the ball comes to you, the first reaction is to make a splash play. 

But he also knows he has to follow the plan that special teams coordinator Danny Smith has implemented.  

"There is a balance that has to be acknowledged," said Igwebuike. "I think Danny does a great job in his pregame studies to help us know what is that balance, what does that look like on a week-by-week basis. He comes up with a plan and it's up to me to execute. He does a great job on his part, and I just try and hold up my end executing it. It's a team effort. 

"There are a lot of variables that come in the game. Continuing to learn, continuing to improve, learn from past mistakes. Each week is different. There is urgency to want to help create great field position for the offense, or even put up some points. 

"That's our goal, to be able to take it to the crib and get the defense back out there immediately. That is the mindset."

Preaching consistency: After losing the last two games, there is one thing that is needed for the black and gold.

Consistency. 

And there is one person who brings it on a daily basis. 

Coach Mike Tomlin.

In the ups and downs of an NFL season, Tomlin provides the stabilizing force that players need, in the true manner of not getting too high with the highs or too low with the lows. 

"He is consistent," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "I don't have to think otherwise and think he is plotting some different course. He is just staying ahead and allowing us to get better."

And don't think consistent means he isn't pushing guys. 

Quite the opposite. 

"He challenges us to give more," said receiver Diontae Johnson. "He knows we can play better than what we have been playing."

Rookie tackle Broderick Jones said he has challenged him personally, and the offensive line as a whole, and the goal is always to live up to those challenges. 

"He is intense," said Jones. "He doesn't show it a lot because he is so calm, but you can tell from his demeanor. He can get amped out, but he wants to keep it calm and cool and save it for Saturday. 

"He will challenge us in different ways. He challenges the offensive line to be as perfect as we can be. He is telling us what he wants. We try to do the best we can to prove him right.

"Consistency for me. That is always his message for me. To be consistent as I can be. That is what he wants to see out of me, so that is what I try to do."

Pro Bowl voting is underway: Steelers fans, it's time to vote. And make sure you do it early, and often.

For your favorite Steelers players that is.

Voting is now open for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, the second year for the new-look games.

The traditional Pro Bowl game has been replaced by days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, February 4.

Leading into the game there will be fun-filled and unique skill competitions, giving fans a different look at all of the league's top players.

-->> Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games

Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 25. 

Cast your votes today.

Click on the links to go to the Steelers page and vote for players below as well.

-->> Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games

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.

Wednesday, December 13

Loving what he is doing: Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is like any other rookie. 

They want playing time and want it as soon as possible after being 'the guy' in college. 

But for Porter, he had to bide his time a little bit before working his way into the starting lineup. 

And looking back, now 13 games into the season, he knows it was the best decision. 

Porter said he is feeling good physically at this point and credits that to the team starting him slow. 

"I think about that often," said Porter. "If I played Week 1, I don't know how my body would feel right now. I am glad they slowed the process down for me and I am feeling hot right now.

"I am feeling great. It is definitely a long season. Around this time last year, I was getting ready for bowl prep already and hanging out with the family. But we have more games left. With that aspect, it's mentally and physically draining. But this is what I signed up for. I am not complaining. I get to do what I love to do every day." 

Porter said there are areas he still wants to focus on in his game, while at the same time knowing he has grown as the season has progressed. 

"I feel like there are a lot of areas that I need to work on, and I am still working on," said Porter. "Overall, I have grown as a player. I am happy where I am and there is still work to do."

Some of that work will take place on Saturday against the Colts. Porter could be matched up against Colts' receiver Michael Pitman Jr., who has 95 receptions for 984 yards and four touchdowns. 

"I watched a little bit of him so far. He is a good wide receiver," said Porter. "I am excited for any matchup throughout the week. Whenever they tell me I've got a guy, I start game planning and looking forward to it. I am ready for it."

Born ready: When linebacker Nick Herbig was called upon last week against the Patriots after Alex Highsmith left the game injured, it came as no surprise that he was ready to tackle the challenge. 

And the reason is simple. 

"I was born ready," said Herbig.

Herbig, the rookie outside linebacker from Wisconsin, stepped in and played 79% of the defensive snaps, something he was prepared to do because of the way he attacks practice and the week of preparation. 

"My role is really special teams right now," said Herbig. "In situations like last week, when Alex and T.J. go down, that is when I have to step up and be prepared. I prepare for that every week, for situations like that. 

"I am grateful to have guys in the room like them and Coach Denzel (Martin) to make sure I am ready to go."

With Watt and Highsmith both in concussion protocol this week, but still getting work in practice, Herbig doesn't know if he will be called upon or not on Saturday against the Colts. 

Regardless, he is preparing the same as he always does, with a starter's mindset. 

"I remember somebody said something that you have to prepare like you are a starter every day," said Herbig. "Having that mindset from day one, you never know when your opportunity is going to come knocking. You have to be ready to make the most of it."

Young guys stepping up: The Steelers have called upon their rookie class more than ever this season and linebacker Nick Herbig is a player who has definitely stepped up to that challenge. 

Against the Patriots, Herbig played 45 defensive snaps, which was 79% of the plays, after Alex Highsmith left the game injured. He also played 25 snaps on special teams.

There is the potential of seeing more this week depending on the availability of Highsmith and T.J. Watt. Both are still in the concussion protocol but have worked in practice this week. 

"Nick took like 80 plays last week between special teams and defense," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "Great get off, smart, agile kid. These guys have a good sense of what we need to do. Herbig has come on in our special teams game, but we're going to ask him to have a bigger role if he has to play and I think he is capable of it. 

"We have a lot of trust in Nick. Markus Golden as well. Those are two guys that can start anywhere, and we are lucky to have a four-man group that everybody relishes and is jealous of that. 

"Whoever gets a chance to play, we'll be ready. We have a big challenge with the Colts and looking forward to it."

Herbig isn't the only young player stepping up. Rookie nose tackle Keeanu Benton is now listed as the starter on the depth chart after making huge strides. 

"He is learning. He is open to learning," said Heyward. "The rookie year, some guys think they have all the answers then they hit the rookie wall and are like, I wasn't prepared for it. Keeanu continues to be on the rise. You see him taking notes, learning how to take care of your body, what this game is about and how you have to be even keeled."

Much to play for: Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick left no doubt about what he thinks will be at stake on Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.

"It's a playoff game in my eyes," Fitzpatrick announced. "If we win, it boosts our chances to get in the playoffs by a lot. And if we lose it takes us pretty much out of the playoffs.

"To me it's a playoff game."

It's the first such game in a four-game, season-concluding stretch the Steelers will have to navigate almost flawlessly from a won-lost standpoint, in Fitzpatrick's opinion, to reach the actual postseason.

"We definitely have to make a late run if we want to go into the playoffs," he continued. "We gotta win just about every single week to the end of the season.

"What it takes is just going out there and playing good football, playing with high energy and a lot of passion."

The Steelers, at 7-6, are currently the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff standings. The Colts, also 7-6, are the No. 7 seed. The Steelers will visit the Colts riding the season's first two-game losing streak after having dropped consecutive home games to Arizona and New England.

But Fitzpatrick was adamant what's already happened should never affect preparation or performance moving forward.

"Your approach to the game shouldn't be wavering on how many losses you have or wins you have," he insisted. "You should approach every single week with 110 percent, approach the week with a chip on your shoulder whether you're the best in the league or the worst in the league.

"No matter what you are you have something to prove. If you're 11-0 or 0-11 you have something to play for."

The path to a better result than the Steelers achieved against the Cardinals or Patriots is uncomplicated, in Fitzpatrick's estimation.

"We gotta play better," he said.

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Pro Bowl voting is underway: Steelers fans, it's time to vote. And make sure you do it early, and often.

For your favorite Steelers players that is.

Voting is now open for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, the second year for the new-look games.

The traditional Pro Bowl game has been replaced by days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, February 4.

Leading into the game there will be fun-filled and unique skill competitions, giving fans a different look at all of the league's top players.

-->> Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games

Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 25. 

Cast your votes today.

Click on the links to go to the Steelers page and vote for players below as well.

-->> Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games

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.

Tuesday, December 12

Setting the example: Over the past few weeks, and off and on throughout the season as a day of veteran rest, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward hasn't practiced to kick off the week of practice. 

But on Tuesday, Heyward was out there with his teammates, even if he was limited still dealing with his groin injury. 

"I had plenty of time off, feeling pretty good," said Heyward, who hasn't been on the field since the team played on Thursday night. 

It might be a little bit more, though, as Heyward was asked if he was setting an example, sending a message. 

"It's part of it," said Heyward. "It is what it is. I just have to be there for my guys."

The Steelers are coming off back-to-back losses to teams that had only two wins going into the games, including a 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday night, and Heyward knows it's time to turn things around. 
 
"We need to step up," said Heyward. "I don't think anybody is safe from that. You look at it as we gave up 21 points on defense. That is way too many. Any defender who thinks that they are not responsible for it, I think that is doing everybody a disservice. 

"We all have a job to do. We all have a part to play. We have to be better because of it."

A feeling in the air: The Steelers have four games left on the schedule, starting this week with the Indianapolis Colts. 

And while it's a one-game season week after week, the feeling is the final stretch of the season is basically, the playoffs start now.

"It's playoff football four weeks early," said center Mason Cole. "Each game from here on out is ever important. It has a feeling of playoff football already. 

"These next games are important, starting with Indianapolis."

The Steelers are 7-6, and in the tight AFC, there isn't much room for error. 

"You come in with the same intense mindset every day," said linebacker Markus Golden. "Come to work every day. A lot of people come to work like that no matter what. The whole team is thinking like that. 

"We will be ready."

And that being ready mindset is one you can feel from players thanks to the leadership on the team.

"Every game is huge for us," said linebacker Mykal Walker. "We know what it is. The sixth spot to the 11th spot is the same record. Every game is a playoff game for us.

"It's exciting. We lost the last two games that everyone in the world thought we shouldn't have lost. We have a chance. We have an opportunity. We can control things. Any time you are in a situation like that, it's a great thing. 

"Now it's about every drill, making sure every rep is detailed. We have to lock in. It's all about the buy-in. We have great leadership in this locker room. Everyone is on the same page. I could feel it in the meeting room this morning."

There is confidence that things can turn around and then anything can happen.

"I think this team is capable, I think we have always been capable," said Cole. "If we play to our ability and how we can play, there is no doubt we can not only make it to the playoffs, but make a run too."

Winning is all that matters: The Steelers head into Saturday's game against the Indianapolis Colts with a 7-6 record and in sixth place in the conference, currently holding a Wild Card playoff spot. 

And there is only one thing on their mind. 

Getting a win this week.

The AFC is a logjam right now, with six teams at 7-6, including the Colts who are in seventh place in the conference and hold the final Wild Card spot. 

"It's a new week, a new opportunity, a new challenge," said center Mason Cole. "Our mindset is all on this week and how we can execute at the highest level and get a win in Indianapolis."

The team is coming off two disappointing losses, knowing they need to execute better. 

Cole has no doubt that can happen. 

"Week in and week out you are always trying to tweak and correct things and make things better, so we obviously have to do that this week," said Cole. "It's the same process, and the process continues, and we have to get better."

The offensive unit has been watching film as a group under interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner and they are all holding each other accountable for going out and getting the job done.

"It's across the board on the offense," said Cole. "I think the players are doing a good job of holding the players accountable. I think there is a lot of transparency in our meetings. The players are holding each other accountable, we just have to play better. 

"It's a group thing. I think Faulk has done a great job of being really transparent and watching film together as an offense and making sure everybody sees everything. Credit to Faulk for that."

Ready to roll: With outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith both in concussion protocol, fellow outside linebacker Markus Golden is ready to do whatever is asked of him.  

"We don't know. That's football," said Golden of the status of his fellow linebackers. "Anything can happen once you step on the field. You just have to be prepared and ready no matter who you are, no matter what spot you are on the depth chart. 

"You have to be professional and be a pro and come in every day and practice like you are going to play."

Golden was inactive last week against the Patriots, the first time all season, but is ready for whatever is asked of him this week.  

"I will be ready no matter what. I will be prepared," said Golden. "I am going hard no matter what. Whatever comes, I will be ready no matter what side it is.

"We just have to lock in, do our job no matter what. There are a lot of tough guys on this roster. This week you come back to practice, go hard, do your job and that will carry over to Sunday."

Repeat as necessary: Quarterback Mason Rudolph saw the Steelers play the type of offense they aspire to play on Nov. 26 in Cincinnati and maintains such a level of performance is attainable again this Saturday in Indianapolis. 

"I think you saw some positive signs in Cincinnati, attacking more in the middle of the field," Rudolph said after practice today. "I thought Coach Sullivan (quarterbacks coach Mike) called a good game there and Kenny played well.

"I think there was a really good balance. We ran the ball well, we threw it well, we play-action passed. Just looking for balance and there's no secret to that, it's executing and having a great practice each and every day and starting off the week strong like we did (today)."

Rudolph will be more prepared as the No. 2 to Mitch Trubisky this week. The Steelers aren't preparing for a Thursday night game, as they were last week against the Patriots.

"It's only been one day but I feel good," Rudolph said. "Obviously, got a few extra (reps), this being a normal, full week of practice. I feel good about that.

"I'll feel a lot better on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. when we've all had a full week of practice as a team. For myself individually, just gonna enjoy a nice, non-compressed week of practice, unlike last week."

Rudolph hasn't played in a game for the Steelers since Dec. 26, 2021 when he relieved Ben Roethlisberger at Kansas City.

It hasn't escaped Rudolph's notice that he's one snap away with Kenny Pickett (ankle) out. 

"I'm the backup quarterback right now in the NFL," Rudolph said. "I'm very thankful. You think about how much work it takes for all these guys in this locker room to get to this level. I'm gonna be sharp. I'm gonna stay sharp all week. I'll be ready if and when my number's called but it's a day-by-day process. I enjoy that preparation, the grind.

"Patience is a fruit of the spirit. I've been practicing patience for a long time. It doesn't matter if you don't take the opportunity when it comes to you and seize it. If it comes, great; if not, I'm gonna keep working.

"I'd be lying if I said it hasn't changed at all. When you know as a No. 3 you can only play due to an emergency, injury, which statistics say is a pretty low chance of that happening. When you're one play away does it sorta create a little more urgency? Yes, and it's more exciting. I'd love to play football. I'd love to be on a team and put your hand in the pile but you'd also love to play and that's a little more real this week."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Practice squad update: The Steelers signed linebacker Davis Perales to the practice squad and released running back Qadree Ollison.

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, but released at the end of October.

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.

Steelers-Colts game details: Just a reminder, the Steelers-Colts game will be played on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 4:30 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium. The game will air on the NFL Network and KDKA-TV in the Pittsburgh market.

The game was one of a handful of Week 15 games the league did not set a date and time for when the schedule was initially released.

Pro Bowl voting is underway: Steelers fans, it's time to vote. And make sure you do it early, and often.

For your favorite Steelers players that is.

Voting is now open for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, the second year for the new-look games.

The traditional Pro Bowl game has been replaced by days of activities, which will culminate with an AFC vs. NFC Flag Game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, February 4.

Leading into the game there will be fun-filled and unique skill competitions, giving fans a different look at all of the league's top players.

-->> Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games

Fans can vote for their favorite Steelers players now through Dec. 25. A social aspect of voting will be available beginning on Dec. 11, so keep an eye out for that.

Cast your votes today.

Click on the links to go to the Steelers page and vote for players below as well.

-->> Vote for Steelers players for the Pro Bowl Games

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.