What happened: Pittsburgh ruled out cornerback Brandin Echols (hamstring) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (calf) ahead of Thursday night's flight to Paris for Sunday's regular-season matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Neither player will travel with the team to France. Strong safety Deshon Elliott (knee) practiced in full, while cornerback Jalen Ramsey (wrist), running back Rico Dowdle (knee), and outside linebackers Alex Highsmith (groin) and T.J. Watt (calf) were limited.

Why it matters: Leaving Echols and Skowronek home before the transatlantic trip removes immediate special-teams and rotational depth with no late-week recovery window overseas. Skowronek's continued absence compounds a lingering issue after the Steelers also ruled out Skowronek on Oct. 11 following his Week 5 injury. Watt's midweek addition to the injury report alongside limited work for Highsmith and Ramsey places three core defensive starters under scrutiny ahead of kickoff.

What to watch: The Steelers depart for Paris on Thursday evening without Echols and Skowronek. Final game-status designations on Friday will determine availability for Watt, Highsmith, Ramsey, and Dowdle against New Orleans.