The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be depending on Aaron Rodgers this season if they want to be a force in the AFC North and win playoff games. They officially play their first preseason game on Friday on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it appears the future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback is open to suiting up.
Let’s take a deeper dive into exactly what he said and what it means for the Steelers going forward.
Aaron Rodgers Open to Playing Preseason Week 1
Aaron Rodgers
Jul 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting ready to open up the preseason, and there have been some questions regarding whether Aaron Rodgers will suit up and make his team debut. While speaking on Wednesday via Brooke Pryor of ESPN, he addressed his potential status for the preseason opener.
“It’s an interesting conversation. I think Mike [Tomlin] and I have that at some point. I don’t think it’s in the plan for me to play this week, but whatever Mike wants to do, I’m fully on board.”
With backup quarterback Will Howard sidelined with a hand injury, this could mean a rare appearance in the preseason for Aaron Rodgers. He has not played in the preseason since 2023 after being traded to the New York Jets. Before then, he last played in 2018.
It will be interesting to see what coach Mike Tomlin has in mind for the 41-year-old quarterback in terms of playing in the preseason. The team also has Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson competing for a roster spot, so it is more than likely that Rodgers is not going to be playing in Jacksonville.
Would you want to see Aaron Rodgers play on Friday in his debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers?