Steelers resting key players for preseason finale

The Steelers will sit at least four players in Thursday's preseason finale against the Panthers.

Aaron Rodgers among at least four Steelers who won't play Thursday

The Pittsburgh Steelers will rest at least four players in Thursday's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers. Coach Mike Tomlin said quarterback Aaron Rodgers, edge T.J. Watt, defensive lineman Cam Heyward and wide receiver DK Metcalf will not play. Every other player is in the mix to see at least a few snaps.

Rodgers played 10 snaps in the preseason finale with the Jets in 2023, his first preseason action since 2018. He did not play in the 2024 preseason. Tomlin said he does not need to see his new quarterback in the preseason, adding he is comfortable with what he’s seen in practice. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted it is the first time that a healthy Steelers starting quarterback did not play a snap in a preseason game dating to before Ben Roethlisberger.

The move signals a shift toward protecting veterans and leaning on practice reps for evaluating a new quarterback. It reflects a focus on health and scheme acclimation over lengthy preseason exposure. If this approach sticks, teams may rely more on practice data than exhibition results when judging readiness for the regular season.

There is a real tension here. Young players lose a chance to prove themselves in a game setting, while the team risks blurring the line between player development and roster optimization. The public may react differently depending on how the season unfolds, but the longer view is clear: healthy bodies matter more than a single late summer showcase.

Highlights

The plan now frames how the Steelers approach the season ahead while balancing health with the need to evaluate depth.