Aaron Rodgers didn’t play in the first preseason game, and that isn’t going to change this week. Mike Tomlin told the media Thursday that Rodgers will once again sit the game out, and so will several other notable starters. He is taking the same approach as he did in the Steelers’ first preseason game against Jacksonville.
“As far as anticipated play time, I’m gonna play this preseason game very much like we did the first one in terms of participation,” Tomlin said via the Steelers’ YouTube channel. “The same collection of guys that were held out the last time will comprise the guys that are held out this time.”
The players not suiting up this Saturday against the Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium are listed below.
– Aaron Rodgers
– DK Metcalf
– Jaylen Warren
– Pat Freiermuth
– Jonnu Smith
– Isaac Seumalo
– T.J. Watt
– Alex Highsmith
– Cam Heyward
– Patrick Queen
– Joey Porter Jr.
– Darius Slay
– Jalen Ramsey
– DeShon Elliott
Nick Herbig, who was held out last week, may get some reps depending on the quality of his work at today’s joint practice.
Tomlin said there would potentially be some people unavailable due to injuries, but he did not rule anybody out yet with a couple days remaining until the game. That list would presumably include WR Calvin Austin III, who hasn’t practiced since Aug. 1.
Rodgers spoke about the preseason at length in one of his media sessions at training camp and downplayed its usefulness with teams running basic concepts. He said there is more value in the joint practices. All healthy players will participate in the joint practice today.
Tomlin told Steelers.com that he might hold Rodgers out of the entire preseason. It seems to be trending that way with only one more opportunity remaining.
It remains to be seen if any of the core starters will see the field in the Steelers’ third preseason game. If not, they will open themselves up to criticism if they start slow in the regular season.
