NFL: Steelers-Saints game in Paris still on despite civil unrest

The game in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints remains scheduled as planned despite civil unrest in the French capital, the NFL said Sunday.

The teams are set to play next Sunday at Stade de France in what would be the NFL's first regular-season game in Paris, where events are also planned for football fans during the week.

Rioting and looting have taken place during nationwide protests against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools.

“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday," the league said in a statement Sunday.

"We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”

The Saints were scheduled to arrive in Paris early Monday. The Steelers travel later in the week.

Hundreds of protesters gathered again on Sunday at the Place de la République amid a heavy police presence. Officers used tear gas as tensions flared sporadically in the neighborhood.

Dislodged cobblestones and broken glass littered the area. Looting and damage were also reported in other tourist and shopping districts.

Paris police said 855 people were arrested in the capital region.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday voiced the public’s “anger” and “shame” over the rioting and looting.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Barion Brown (19) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) aims a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

A man walks past a looted store the day after a demonstration against rising living costs and in solidarity with students’ grievances, in Paris, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

A firefighter extinguishes a fire during clashes with police a day after a demonstration against rising living costs, joining students' grievances, in Paris, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Rams kicker Blake Grupe injured a knee in his first game with his new team Sunday while making a tackle on special teams against the Arizona Cardinals.

Grupe was hurt after bringing down Devin Duvernay on a 40-yard kickoff return near midfield just over five minutes into the game.

Grupe went straight back to the locker room following an evaluation in the blue medical tent. The Rams ruled him out for the rest of the game early in the fourth quarter.

Grupe had made a 44-yard field goal to put the Rams up 3-0 with 9:41 left into the first quarter.

Los Angeles signed him off the Jets' practice squad on Tuesday to replace Harrison Mevis, who had a potential winning field goal blocked and missed another in the Rams' 37-34 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

Mevis was 5 of 9 on field goals this season, having made just three of seven attempts from 40 yards or longer.

Punter Ethan Evans worked out on the sideline practicing kicks following Grupe's injury, but the Rams chose to go for a 2-point conversion — which failed — instead of kicking an extra point following their first touchdown with 8:23 remaining in the second quarter.

Turning to Ethan as the kicker would necessitate additional changes to the operation since he's the regular holder. Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett worked there with long snapper Joe Cardona and Evans on the sideline during the scoring drive.

Evans handled the ensuing kickoff, sending it out of the end zone for a touchback.

Grupe is the Rams’ fifth kicker in their past 57 games. He made all 11 of his field goals in a five-game stint with the Indianapolis Colts last season, having started his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints in 2023.

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Los Angeles Rams kicker Blake Grupe (19) walks off the field with trainers during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)