As it turns out, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will not ask quarterback Aaron Rodgers to play in Pittsburgh’s preseason opener.
Tomlin told reporters on Thursday that Rodgers is among a long list of major Steelers contributors who will not be on the field against the Jaguars on Saturday night.
“I’ve identified some guys that won’t be playing in this game this week,” Tomlin said, via Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show. “It has nothing to do with injury. They need less runway to take off, to be quite honest with you, because of their experience and where they are in their careers. Oftentimes, I preserve them through this process while providing more opportunity for those that need more preparation, or more opportunity to display their talents and so forth.”
Tomlin then listed many players who won’t play, including Rodgers, edge rusher T.J. Watt, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, receiver DK Metcalf, defensive back Jalen Ramsey, tight end Pat Freiermuth, and tight end Jonnu Smith — among others.
Rodgers had said earlier this week that he was “fully on board” to play in the first preseason game if that’s what Tomlin wanted. Rodgers last played in the preseason in 2023 with the Jets, but before that he hadn’t participated in a preseason game since 2018.
