The Pittsburgh Steelers are leaving Ireland with a big win over the Minnesota Vikings. Aaron Rodgers was credited with 200 yards and a touchdown in the victory as the veteran quarterback looked like a much better version of himself than we have seen over the past two weeks. Kenneth Gainwell exploded for 99 yards on the ground along with two touchdowns, as the promising running back was elite in his first game starting in replacement of the injured Jaylen Warren.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers’ defense was excellent for the majority of the matchup. TJ Watt and DeShon Elliott were both able to secure crucial interceptions, as the unit as a whole gave up the second least amount of points that they have all year. Head Coach Mike Tomlin took a moment to speak with the media following the game, as the legendary coach was able to make a key promise to his team as they prepare to enter a bye week.
“I promised them a sweet bye week if we got the business done,” Tomlin stated. “I probably have to fulfill that promise. It won’t be a lot of work in the week that lies ahead, but we will get us in a good bonus Monday and a good weeks worth coming out of it. But they are deserving of that.”
Tomlin continued to go more in depth as to why the team may take it easy throughout the bye week, as the Steelers’ head coach noted a number of injuries that took place during Sunday morning’s matchup.
“As I mentioned, it’s probably appropriate because we got a lot of people that are down,” Tomlin explained.
The Steelers suffered multiple key injuries during Week 4 in Ireland. Promising wide receiver Calvin Austin lll left the stadium in an ambulance with his arm in a sling, as the loss of Austin would be a brutal blow to the offense moving forward if he’s out for an extended amount of time. Austin is a talented receiver that is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, as the young player will look to make an impact in the most important year of his career so far.
Steelers WR Calvin Austin III was just loaded into an ambulance in the tunnel with his shoulder in a sling.
The loss of Austin for multiple weeks would be frustrating news for all involved. Austin will need to play at his absolute best this season as he currently has no deal in place following 2025. A number of players would need to step up should Austin miss extended time, as superstar receiver DK Metcalf could quickly find himself with an increase in targets with Austin no longer available as the reliable second option out wide.
Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers’ Roman Wilson Could Thrive With The Absence Of Austin
Roman Wilson could find himself with an excellent opportunity in front of him should Austin miss the next few weeks. Wilson is a talented wide receiver that has struggled to begin the season as he currently has just one catch for seven yards. Wilson could quickly get more targets if Austin remains out, as the talented player would presumably become the Steelers’ second receiver behind Metcalf for the time being. It was Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller however, that filled in during the Ireland game when Austin went down.
Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Wilson was the Steelers’ third-round pick in 2024. The promising receiver has yet to truly develop a connection with Rodgers, but Wilson could quickly emerge as a top weapon at the veteran quarterback’s disposal. Pittsburgh will be on a bye week during Week 5 next weekend, as Austin will look to recover and get healthy as fast as possible.
Tomlin’s comments surrounding the upcoming bye week should be reliving for both players and fans to hear. The Steelers were banged up on both sides of the ball throughout Sunday morning’s victory, as the bye week will be crucial for key players to recover and relax. Pittsburgh will be back in action once again in Week 6 as the Steelers will host the Cleveland Browns on October 12th.
