PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Defensive lineman Chris Wormley was acquired by the Steelers in a rare trade with the Ravens in March, so he knows all about this fierce AFC North rivalry.
"I think first and foremost there's a respect level," Wormley said. "I grew up watching this rivalry. I was a Steelers fan growing up, so I grew up watching the defensive side of the ball those battles those teams had against each other for so long."
And there's no need to remind Wormley when these teams will renew acquaintances.
"When I was with the Ravens these two games were the ones that we would circle. This year when it comes to October 25, our first time playing them, and then Thanksgiving, those two games, obviously, for me are a little more personal. Those two games are circled for me that I want to have my two best games of the year."
Wormley believes the games are going to mean a lot to both teams.
"I think the rivalry is still alive and well, and I think we're going to be the two top teams in the division fighting for the division title this year," Wormley said.
Wormley admits joining a new team during the pandemic has been a challenge.
"I'm not going to sit here and lie to you and say it's been easy," Wormley said. "There's definitely been some challenges that have presented themselves. When I got traded there were no face-to-face meetings for five months.
Wormley is also dealing with a reported shoulder injury that has limited his participation recently.
"By game one in 11 days I'll be 100 percent," Wormley said. "I'm working toward that. The training staff and the coaches have been great in allowing me to take my time to get back on the field and feeling comfortable while maybe fighting through a little bit of pain."
Coach Mike Tomlin said after practice Thursday that it's difficult to gauge where Wormley fits in on the defensive line given the time he's missed in camp.