Aaron Rodgers
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hinted that quarterback Aaron Rodgers might not play in the 2025 NFL preseason.
There’s a growing fad in the NFL to not play starting quarterbacks a single snap in the preseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers have never done that, but head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t rule out the possibility with veteran Aaron Rodgers.
In fact, during an interview with Steelers.com’s Bob Labriola, Tomlin appeared to strongly suggest that Rodgers won’t play in the 2025 preseason.
“This guy has been doing this for 21 years. His cumulative snap total and what’s required for him to be ready is different than others,” Tomlin said. “So if I’m not adaptable and open to adjustments relative to the needs of our guys, then I’m not doing my job.
“And so you might be looking at one of those coaches [who doesn’t play his starting QB in the preseason] in 2025.”
Last year, Russell Wilson was unavailable in the preseason because of a calf injury. Justin Fields, who started the first six games for Pittsburgh in 2024, attempted 27 passes combined in three preseason games.
In 2023, projected starting quarterback Kenny Pickett saw playing time in all three preseason games as well.
QB Aaron Rodgers Doesn’t Want to Play in Steelers Preseason?
What Tomlin didn’t indicate in his comment is whether Rodgers has requested not to play in the preseason.
To Rodgers’s credit, he has publicly expressed a willingness to play this preseason if the Steelers want him to.
“I don’t think it’s in the plan for me to play this week, but whatever Mike [Tomlin wants to do, I’m fully on board,” Rodgers said Wednesday, via The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “If he wants me to go out there and play, I’ll play. If not, then I won’t.”
Rodgers, though, has made his feelings on the NFL preseason rather known.
“I’ve said a lot, preseason football is not necessarily real football. Because the defenses don’t do a whole lot, and the offenses don’t, either,” Rodgers said. “So, you go out there with a very limited playbook against the defenses playing one-high zone, one-high man, or two-high zone.”
Rodgers continued, arguing that joint practices are much more important. Joint practices are usually between teams that won’t play each other in the regular season.
“They’re less worried about showing things that they wanna work on,” said Rodgers.
“And even though there usually are camera there, and it’s filmed, they’re less skittish about running the stuff they’ve been running all camp that they’re gonna try and do in the regular season against another team.”
Rodgers is not going to play in Week 1 of the preseason. But he will participate in Pittsburgh’s joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week.
The Steelers will then host the Buccaneers in Week 2 of the preseason on Saturday, August 16.
Opportunity for Other Steelers QBs During 2025 NFL Preseason
Pittsburgh not playing its starting quarterback in the preseason would be a first this year. But it could give the organization a long-term advantage.
Rodgers is likely not going to be with the team beyond 2025. If Rodgers doesn’t play in the preseason, the Steelers will get a longer look at their other quarterbacks.
Unfortunately, Will Howard might not be available at all because of a hand injury. That cuts into the long-term edge the Steelers could have if Rodgers doesn’t play in the preseason.
But Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson will see more playing time. Rudolph is expected to be Pittsburgh’s backup in 2025, and he is signed to a two-year deal. Thompson is trying to earn a spot on Pittsburgh’s roster or practice squad.
While Rodgers not playing in the preseason will be new for Pittsburgh, it won’t be for the quarterback. According to Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark, Rodgers has appeared in just two preseason games since 2018.