The Pittsburgh Steelers faced backlash from fans following the attendance of current and former players at a rally hosted by President Donald Trump. Quarterback Mason Rudolph, safety Miles Killebrew, and ex-running back Rocky Bleier presented Trump with a Steelers jersey, leading to a mix of reactions among the fanbase. The team responded to fans expressing their concerns, emphasizing that players have the right to their personal opinions and their actions don't reflect the views of the organization.

Rudolph defended the decision, citing freedom of speech while acknowledging the varied responses from fans. While some felt the players should avoid political endorsements, others supported their rights to express themselves. The Steelers reiterated their commitment to valuing fan feedback while maintaining that individual actions by players do not equate to a unified stance from the franchise.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a challenging matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, as they will be missing two key defenders due to injuries. Safety DeShon Elliott and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi have both been ruled out after sustaining groin injuries in the previous game against the Cleveland Browns.

With Elliott sidelined, Damontae Kazee is set to step in alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick, who may take on a more aggressive role. The defensive tackle position will see Dean Lowry or Isaiah Loudermilk replacing Ogunjobi. Additionally, George Pickens is also out with a hamstring injury.

The Cincinnati Bengals' kicker Evan McPherson has faced challenges but has yet to have a field goal blocked in his career. As they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lead the league with three blocked kicks this season, the Bengals are on alert. Special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons highlighted the Steelers' strong special teams, particularly Miles Killebrew, who is known for his punt rushing skills.

The Bengals have not had a punt blocked since 2018 and are wary of the Steelers' ability to disrupt their kicking game. The presence of Calvin Austin as a dangerous punt returner adds to their concerns, emphasizing the need for solid protection and coverage strategies.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are eager to recover from their recent defeat against the Cleveland Browns, where they lost 24-19 in challenging snowy conditions. Wide receiver George Pickens stirred controversy with his remarks, suggesting the Browns are not a strong team and attributing their victory to the weather.

Steelers captain Miles Killebrew responded by emphasizing that the Steelers lost to the Browns, regardless of the conditions. He highlighted the importance of performance over opinions, indicating that the Browns played a better game.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has noted Pickens' ongoing development in maturity, as the team hopes for his growth to continue amidst these challenges.