Aaron Rodgers has been in the NFL for 20 years. As a result, he’s seen and done a lot. However, he’s new to the Pittsburgh Steelers, so that leaves a lot for him to learn. While Rodgers has been getting better as training camp goes on, he’s still working on building chemistry with the Steelers offense.
There was some speculation that Rodgers could play in the Steelers’ first preseason game this week. However, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rodgers doesn’t think he’s going to suit up this week.
Aaron Rodgers said he does not believe it’s in the plan for him to play in Jacksonville, but he said he’ll have that conversation with Mike Tomlin soon. He said if Tomlin wants him to play he’ll play.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) August 6, 2025
While that doesn’t totally rule Rodgers out for Pittsburgh’s first preseason game, it sounds unlikely that he’ll step on the field. That makes some sense. At 41 years old, there’s no reason to risk Rodgers’ health in the preseason yet. He joined the Steelers late in the offseason, so he’s still working on feeling comfortable with them.
Perhaps Tomlin will opt to have Rodgers play a little bit depending on how the Steelers’ offense looks in practice this week. Rodgers put together one of his best days so far on Tuesday. He was rifling the ball all over the ball, exhibiting great arm strength.
After a few underwhelming practices, that was an encouraging sign. If Rodgers and company continue to string together some solid practices, Tomlin might feel more comfortable not putting his entire starting offense on the field this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Also, even if Rodgers suits up, he’d probably only play for one drive. The Steelers likely aren’t going to have him work extensively in the preseason.
According to Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly on Twitter, Rodgers doesn’t see much benefit to the preseason. He believes that the Steelers’ joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be more beneficial.
Aaron Rodgers says joint practice with Bucs much more beneficial than a preseason game.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 6, 2025
Based on those comments, if it’s up to Rodgers, he probably wouldn’t play in the preseason. Perhaps Tomlin will feel differently, though. With two other preseason games remaining, even if Rodgers doesn’t play this week, he’ll still have opportunities to get actual reps in with the Steelers.
Practicing with the Buccaneers could be a nice substitute for that, though. It will allow Tomlin to get a look at Rodgers and the Steelers’ offense against an actual opponent. That could influence his decision on Rodgers’ playtime in the preseason as well. At the moment, though, fans might have to wait a little longer to see Rodgers actually play in a game for the Steelers.
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