Tomlin 'Understands This Is What Comes With 2020' As NFL Decides To Reschedule Steelers-Titans Game
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says he is "disappointed" but "understands" why the NFL is rescheduling the game they were supposed to play against the Tennessee Titans this weekend.
While addressing the media via Zoom, Tomlin said his disappointment comes from the preparation the team has put in for the game, but "understands this is what comes with 2020."
Coach Mike Tomlin via zoom said he is disappointed because they were preparing to play and aren't. Said he understands this is what comes with 2020.
Said team will make sure they get the appropriate rest this weekend and come in next week and get ready for Philly.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) October 1, 2020
The NFL was looking toward holding the game off until Monday or Tuesday, but this morning decided to reschedule it for a later date.
According to Steeler writer Teresa Varley, Tomlin said he "wishes to not speculate" about when the league's decision will come about a rescheduled date.
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So far, five players with the Titans have tested positive for coronavirus. Additionally, six personnel members with the organization and one coach have come back positive.
In a statement released Thursday morning, the NFL said, "The decision to postpone the game was made to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel. The Titans facility will remain closed and the team will continue to have no in-person activities until further notice."
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2020
Meanwhile, according to Varley, Tomlin says the team will "get the appropriate rest this weekend" and begin preparations for their game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 11.
Some fans say COVID or not, let them play.
"I would think thye should just play the game on Sunday as it was originally scheduled," said one fan.
While others say they shouldn't have had a season at all.
"I say go home, hug your wife and kiss your kids and don't play football until next year," said another.
At Yinzers in the Burgh, a Strip District merchandise store, they depend on the sports seasons. But the Yinzers owner is glad the league is playing it safe.
"Player safety is the most important thing. SO we get this game in, rush it, and then we get three or four players with COVID. It's not worth it," said Jim Coen.
Steelers merchandise sales are off this season, but they're selling a lot of masks.
"I didn't think they were going to have a season, so what they're doing to control what they can, they're doing a great job," said Coen.
Other fans look at it this way: it gives the Steelers more time to prepare for the Eagles, who come to Heinz Field a week from Sunday.
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