Things had already gotten crazy before the NFL’s first-ever game in Dublin could kick off. A scary scene on Friday night resulted in a Pittsburgh Steelers player suffering some minor injuries.
Tom Pelissero broke the news just one hour before the team’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Which Steelers Player Suffered Minor Injuries From Being Jumped and Robbed in Dublin?
In no world did the Steelers expect someone on their injured reserve list to be further damaged. That happened to be the case as Skylar Thompson was “jumped and robbed Friday night in Dublin”, according to NFL Network’s Pelissero.
Pelissero included a statement from the Steelers spokesman, Burt Lauten, “We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin. We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident.”
The #Steelers’ trip to Dublin wasn’t without some drama: Sources say backup QB Skylar Thompson got jumped and robbed Friday night in Dublin.
Thompson, who is on injured reserve, suffered minor injuries but is OK and with the team.
Statement from Steelers Spokesman Burt…
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 28, 2025
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) also released a statement after Thompson’s incident.
“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. As always, our priority is the health and safety of our player members – especially as we continue to work on player protections and well-being while playing international games – and we will continue to support Skylar in any way he needs.”
Thankfully for the Steelers, Thompson was already on their IR, and this didn’t happen to anyone who will be playing at 9:30 a.m. EST. While it shouldn’t have happened to anyone, the NFL knows the risks they are taking by playing these games overseas. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wants a weekly international game and, eventually, an international team or even a league.
When things like this happen, it sets everything back. Despite being on the IR, Thompson made the trip with the Steelers, who have a Bye in Week 5. Wednesday, September 10, marked the day that Thompson went on the IR due to a hamstring injury. He can be activated after the team’s Bye, allowing him to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, October 12.
As it stands, the Steelers have two quarterbacks on the IR. The last thing they needed was an extra set of injuries, no matter how minor. 24-year-old quarterback Will Howard has yet to make his first NFL appearance. The team’s No. 185 overall draft pick is QB3 on the depth chart, only behind QB Mason Rudolph and QB Aaron Rodgers.
With Howard and Thompson both on the IR, HC Mike Tomlin knows the only option is Rudolph, should anything happen to the four-time NFL MVP. Rodgers, who has plenty of experience against the Vikings, has looked solid this season. Pittsburgh and Minnesota enter Dublin 2-1, as each team leaves with completely different trajectories.
For Pittsburgh, they have a Bye in Week 5. Minnesota is tasked with playing their second straight international game, this time in London. From there, they’re able to enjoy a much-deserved Week 6 bye.
