The New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are still on for their game at MetLife Stadium today as recovery efforts continue in devastated New Jersey following Superstorm Sandy.
The NFL confirmed Saturday that the matchup is still scheduled for today. Gov. Chris Christie did not address the game during a briefing Saturday, and a spokesman deferred questions about it to the league.
Christie and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke Friday.
The New York City Marathon, also scheduled for today, has been canceled — although the Knicks opened their season on Friday night at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan and the Nets were playing Saturday night for the first time in their new arena in Brooklyn.
Given the gas shortages in the state and the lack of mass transit available, the Giants have urged fans to carpool.
In their conversation before the weekend, Goodell was assured by Christie that the game would not divert any major resources from relief efforts.
The league will bring 100 first responders to the game to meet Goodell as well as members of the Giants before kickoff. The home team will also hold a food drive to support those affected by the storm.
The Steelers altered their travel plans in light of the situation. Originally scheduled to fly in on Saturday, and stay in Jersey City, N.J., they will instead travel on this morning and return to Pittsburgh right after the game.
EXTRA POINTS
The Colts said running back Donald Brown is questionable for today’s game against Miami. He had been listed as probable most of this week after returning last weekend following in-season knee surgery, but team doctors found swelling in the knee Saturday. … Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson was activated from the reserve/non-football illness list and said he’s “really anxious” to play a bit against New Orleans on Monday. He suffered a seizure at practice on Aug. 3, 2011, and was diagnosed with a brain AVM, or arteriovenous malformation. … The Packers activated linebacker Frank Zombo (hamstring) from the physically unable to perform list. … Eagles quarterback Michael Vick said the media are partly to blame for the team’s woes. “You guys create a lot of turmoil for us, sometimes,” Vick said. “It’s cool, man.” Vick was on the hot seat after throwing eight interceptions and losing five fumbles in the first six games. He had a turnover-free game in last week’s loss to Atlanta. Coach Andy Reid named him the starter for Monday.
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