The U.S. State Department issued a security alert for fans attending this weekend’s game in Paris after the city was rocked by violent protests.

Sunday’s fixture is proceeding as scheduled despite civil unrest in Paris and other cities across France, with further demonstrations expected over the weekend.

“Numerous groups submitted plans for protests on Saturday, October 24. Americans in Paris for the NFL game on Sunday, October 25 should also exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings,” the state department warned. “While permits may be filed for demonstration routes, last-minute changes can happen and protests can occur outside planned routes.”

On Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said preparations were made in consultation with U.S. and French authorities, noting that street protests "are not unusual in France." A scheduled weekend fan event for Steelers supporters was canceled Thursday due to security concerns.

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said the team is "very confident" that the team's experience will be positive.

Aaron Rodgers expressed faith on Friday in the NFL's ability to handle safety matters surrounding the upcoming game in Paris, despite recent civil unrest across the French capital.

The Pittsburgh Steelers star spoke at a news conference inside a downtown hotel shortly after the team arrived for Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France.

"I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what's going on," Rodgers said. "This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I'm sure we wouldn't be here."

A Friday morning practice session for the Steelers at Stade de France was canceled owing to inclement weather, with gusts of wind and light precipitation hitting Paris. The team had flown overnight from Pittsburgh and intended to hold the outdoor session at 11 a.m. local time, but the session was called off 90 minutes beforehand.

T.J. Watt says he is ‘good to go’

Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt is managing a calf issue, according to Thursday's injury report, where his status was listed as limited in practice after previously resting.

At the team's hotel Friday, Watt did not seem concerned.

"I feel really good, honestly," he said when asked about the time difference and his calf. "I just try to hydrate as much as possible, was able to sleep on the plane, just hit an espresso so I should be good to go."

McCarthy said he is not concerned about Watt's availability, though technically the decision will be made following Saturday's practice.

Watt, who has registered 4.5 sacks this season, said that after team meetings he and several players would "do some things around town, camaraderie things and get a meal. Just try to hang out, fellowship as much as possible."

Injury updates

Steelers safety DeShon Elliott has been a full participant this week despite a knee issue, with a decision on his game availability to be made after Saturday's practice, McCarthy said.

"He's one of our leaders. Just to watch him fight back from this injury — he's definitely someone you root for," the coach said. "It's been a real milestone for him to get to this point. It's been a long road back, but he's a big part of what we're about in Pittsburgh."

DE Sebastian Joseph-Day was placed on the injured reserve list Thursday.

Storm Austen impacting Paris

A flag football event scheduled Friday near the Eiffel Tower was canceled because of the weather, NFL France announced.

Storm Austen was moving across the English Channel and was expected to bring strong winds to the region. The French national weather service put Paris and 22 other regions under an "orange alert" Friday because of high winds.

The Saints are based in Versailles and practice at Stade Municipal Montbauron. The league said that because of "elevated wind and rain conditions" there would be no media viewing of practice.

The Saints came to Paris directly from New York after beating the Giants last Sunday.