Rodgers focus stays on learning

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin signals Aaron Rodgers may skip preseason as the team prioritizes health and learning the system.

Steelers set to sit Rodgers in preseason

The Steelers will not have Aaron Rodgers on the field for the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and coach Mike Tomlin indicated in a talk with Bob Labriola for Steelers.com that Rodgers could sit through all three exhibitions. Tomlin stressed adaptability and said readiness for a veteran like Rodgers depends on different factors than for younger players, a nod to his long career. Rodgers, who is 41, has rarely played in the preseason in recent years and has said joint practices will help him learn the Steelers’ system more than exhibition games.

Rodgers’ arrival comes with a familiar depth chart question. Mason Rudolph is likely the quarterback2, Skylar Thompson is competing for the No. 3 role, and Will Howard is sidelined by a thumb injury while Logan Woodside joined the roster this week. The team has shown that preseason results do not always predict regular-season performance, with past years offering mixed signals as the season started. Rodgers is counting on practice and joint sessions such as the upcoming practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lock in the install and timing.

Tomlin’s stance signals a longer view of quarterback readiness, balancing health with exposure. It reflects a coaching philosophy that prioritizes adaptability over tradition, especially for a veteran who has spent two decades in the league. The decision to ease Rodgers into game action may shield him from avoidable injuries while giving the rest of the roster a clearer path to prove itself in practice reps.

For the Steelers, the plan tests the depth behind Rodgers and gauges how quickly the group can come together without early preseason on-field work from their star. It also spotlights the coaching staff’s trust in practice-based learning and the value of joint sessions. If Week 1 arrives without Rodgers in preseason rhythm, Pittsburgh will lean on a mix of tactical preparation and game-day execution to bridge the gap.

Highlights

The path to Week 1 may be longer, but it could pay off in a steadier installation and longer-term health.