NFL stars brush off security concerns for Paris game after France protests

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The New Orleans Saints have embraced the sights and cultural experiences of Paris this week, balancing tourist excursions with preparations for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France on Sunday.

Despite recent civil unrest across parts of the French capital that prompted localized curfews in affected areas, the squad has made the most of its early Monday arrival.

From visiting the Eiffel Tower to taking in a Paris Saint-Germain soccer match, team members have been immersing themselves in the city. Wide receiver Devaughn Vele noted his enthusiasm for sampling local cuisine throughout the week.

“It’s been an exciting week,” wide receiver Devaughn Vele said. “I’m a big food guy, so I’ve been taking it all in. I couldn’t even tell you what I’ve tried. I didn’t even look at the names. I just try anything I can, trying to immerse myself in the culture.”

Reflecting on a group outing to see the landmark, Vele expressed how much the roster was enjoying the journey.

“It was awesome to see, it’s a beautiful culture, beautiful people,” he said after Wednesday’s practice. “I think a lot of the guys have the same excitement. So it’s been a good experience so far.”

City workers cleared debris and store owners repaired shattered windows and security gates on Wednesday following weekend disturbances in parts of Paris. However, players reported no issues during their outings. Defensive end Cam Jordan noted that he “didn’t see anything” related to property damage when visiting a flag football clinic near the Eiffel Tower. The Steelers are slated to arrive early Friday.

A key highlight for several players was attending Tuesday night’s Champions League fixture, where Paris Saint-Germain earned a 4-2 win against Barcelona.

“I’m won’t lie, it was literally the highlight of my trip,” safety Justin Reid said. “I loved everything about the game. I loved the warmup, loved the atmosphere. I love how there’s all the signs. They have the big tarp that they had before the game with like the ‘Jason’ thing.”

Reid, who grew up playing soccer, admitted he wished some games in the United States shared a similar environment. Addressing concerns surrounding recent street protests, “I don’t think any of us have any worries,” he said, adding that the NFL has provided full security coverage.

“It’s been a great trip so far,” added Reid, who plans to visit the Palace of Versailles later in the week.

On the roster front, head coach Kellen Moore confirmed kicker Daniel Carlson remained in the United States for family matters: “They’re expecting a little one here in a little bit.”

“We’ve talked through this all. We’re all on the same page,” Moore added. “He should be out here shortly.”

If Carlson is unavailable, the Saints can elevate Charlie Smyth from the practice squad. Meanwhile, guard Cesar Ruiz missed practice with a knee injury suffered against the Giants, leaving his status as “day to day.” Rookie Jeremiah Wright filled in for Ruiz during that contest.

General manager Mickey Loomis discussed wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and will miss practice this week. The 2026 first-round draft pick has yet to make his NFL debut.

“We feel like we’re getting closer. I don’t have a specific timetable for that yet, but we’re encouraged,” Loomis said.

Defending the selection of Tyson at No. 8 overall, Loomis addressed the setback.

“The injury that he has is not the same injury that he had before. Those can happen,” Loomis said. “It’s unfortunate that it happened at the very beginning of his career.”

With a bye week following Sunday’s matchup before hosting Cleveland in Week 9, Moore offered no firm guarantees regarding Tyson facing the Browns, stating, “Nothing’s locked in yet.”

Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry also provided an update after exiting last week’s game against the Giants. Initially attributed to a headache, he clarified Wednesday that it was “more like sinus issue” that impacted his sight.

“I just kind of felt my head starting hurting real bad, lost a little vision in my eye from my headache a little bit,” he said.

McKinstry suspected the issue stemmed from a bug that affected several players across the team.

“I was a little under the weather too, myself,” he said.