Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt among Steelers who won’t play first preseason game

[hawaiiansteel]

Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt among Steelers who won’t play first preseason game

August 7, 2025

As it turns out, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will not ask quarterback Aaron Rodgers to play in Pittsburgh’s preseason opener.

Tomlin told reporters on Thursday that Rodgers is among a long list of major Steelers contributors who will not be on the field against the Jaguars on Saturday night.

“I’ve identified some guys that won’t be playing in this game this week,” Tomlin said, via Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show. “It has nothing to do with injury. They need less runway to take off, to be quite honest with you, because of their experience and where they are in their careers. Oftentimes, I preserve them through this process while providing more opportunity for those that need more preparation, or more opportunity to display their talents and so forth.”

Tomlin then listed many players who won’t play, including Rodgers, edge rusher T.J. Watt, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, receiver DK Metcalf, defensive back Jalen Ramsey, tight end Pat Freiermuth, and tight end Jonnu Smith — among others.

Rodgers had said earlier this week that he was “fully on board” to play in the first preseason game if that’s what Tomlin wanted. Rodgers last played in the preseason in 2023 with the Jets, but before that he hadn’t participated in a preseason game since 2018.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/aaron-rodgers-t-j-watt-among-steelers-who-wont-play-first-preseason-game

[hawaiiansteel]

Jaguars will play all starters in preseason opener, including Travis Hunter both ways

August 7, 2025

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen says he plans to play all his starters in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Steelers.

“We will play everybody,” Coen said.

That includes rookie second overall pick Travis Hunter, who will play on both offense and defense. Although the Jaguars have said they don’t want to throw too much at Hunter, Coen made clear that he wants Hunter to get some reps at both wide receiver and cornerback.

Coen said the team’s veteran leaders, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence and center Robert Hainsey, wanted to get some full-speed work in this preseason. Coen said Hainsey was one of the most vocal players about the importance of the team getting reps together in the preseason.

“He was one of the guys that kind of convinced me,” Coen said of Hainsey. “He came in the weight room on his day off, we talked about it — he wanted to play, a lot of the guys want to play.”

Coen is a new head coach with a new staff, and on Saturday fans will get their first chance to see what the Jaguars’ new offense and defense look like. As well as their first chance to see last year’s Heisman Trophy winner play on both offense and defense in the NFL.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jaguars-will-play-all-starters-in-preseason-opener-including-travis-hunter-both-ways

[Mr.wizard]

How do we think the QB reps are going to shake out? Rudolph is really the only guy who was going to be on the roster, so is he going to take most of the reps or are they going to run out Thompson and Woodside?

[hawaiiansteel]

How do we think the QB reps are going to shake out? Rudolph is really the only guy who was going to be on the roster, so is he going to take most of the reps or are they going to run out Thompson and Woodside?

Rudolph will start, and we'll also see plenty of Thompson who will come in as the backup.

Since Woodside just joined us recently, I think he will only play some clean up duty in the 4th quarter.

[Mr.wizard]

Rudolph will start, and we'll also see plenty of Thompson who will come in as the backup.

Since Woodside just joined us recently, I think he will only play some clean up duty in the 4th quarter.

I thought the same about woodside but I thought maybe Rudolph may see extended time so we can evaluate some other positions. Im a little upset if im a guy trying to make the team and i have to run out there with Skyler Thompson.

[LPMAN]

I thought the same about woodside but I thought maybe Rudolph may see extended time so we can evaluate some other positions. Im a little upset if im a guy trying to make the team and i have to run out there with Skyler Thompson.

It may even out because those with Rudolph have to go against Jags starters.

[Mr.wizard]

So do we think Rudolph gets a half or a quarter?