Exclusive: NFL Source Gives Update On Steelers-Saints Game Amid Civil Unrest In Paris

The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6 with the hope of improving to 4-2 on the season. It will be an extremely tiring preparation process for a Week 7 contest in Paris, France if the result down in Florida is a loss. The organization will be playing in its second International game in as many seasons following a trip to Dublin, Ireland in 2025. The opponent is set to be the New Orleans Saints, who will be viewed as the home team. Despite that, it wouldn't surprise anyone if plenty from Steeler Nation were traveling to Europe for the showdown.

There is something going on out in Paris that not a lot of folks are talking about. Several areas in France have experienced civil unrest in recent weeks, largely stemming from widespread student protests over unfavorable conditions within the country's education system. Things such as teacher shortages, bad classroom setups and bad funding for schools are at the forefront of the demonstrations from civilians.

This could potentially raise security concerns when the Steelers, Saints, and thousands of fans travel for the upcoming Week 7 matchup. All in all, it would be fair for some to be worried about staying in, and roaming around, Paris. There have been questions recently about the NFL league office and if it is currently monitoring the events.

Speaking to a source within the NFL's league office, Steeler Nation was able to gather more information about the league's stance on what is happening in France. Right now, the game is still on as scheduled, but that does not mean that officials are not keeping an eye on the ongoing unrest in Paris.

"[The NFL is] certainly aware of what is happening in Paris and are monitoring the situation," the source said. "As is the case for every game we play outside the United States, the league is coordinating with local authorities on all aspects of the game including of course security. Right now [it's] full steam ahead."

The spokesperson with whom Steeler Nation's Parker Abate talked to was able to confirm more than once that nothing is being changed regarding the Steelers and Saints game.

"The NFL is certainly aware of what is happening in Paris and are monitoring the situation and is coordinating with local authorities on all aspects of the game including security. Right now, no plans have changed as it relates to the game or any activities in the lead up to the game."

For now, Pittsburgh and New Orleans will face off. It seems as if drastic changes would have to occur with the protesting to alter the league's position on the matter. Still, Roger Goodell and Co. are paying attention, and will do what is best for all involved.

The NFL is expanding internationally at a very rapid rate. There is even a chance that the league will have a game overseas in almost every week of the season in the coming years. Security, though, has to be of the utmost importance. As of right now, there aren't concerns about what is going on in Paris with the contest being just about a week and a half away.

Something severe would likely have to occur for the league to change course. Any and all fans who are traveling from the United States are most likely fine to keep those plane tickets and hotel reservations. With that said, anytime anyone travels to a foreign country, it is important to know what is going on in whatever specific area that person is staying in.

Steelers Will Be Worried About The Buccaneers First

While Pittsburgh will have long travel shortly after a Week 6 matchup, that game versus the Buccaneers is the most important currently. The team will worry about Paris when it is forced to. For now, the goal is to get down to Florida and come up with another win to improve to 4-2. This would make the lengthy flight to France a whole lot sweeter for the Steelers.

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