The Pittsburgh Steelers are going all-in this season. Their work over the offseason, starting with the Aaron Rodgers pursuit, has made their intentions of breaking a nearly decade-long playoff losing streak crystal clear. However, the viability of their roster construction is still up for debate, particularly with a past-his-prime 40-year-old quarterback at the helm.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has worked his magic against far more adverse circumstances. But it is going to be a miracle not only to take this team but also to make them win games in the playoffs. The Steelers fan base gets its first taste of what the new team might look like in a Week 1 preseason matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, is Tomlin going to play a ton of his starters, particularly Rodgers, to begin with?
Will Aaron Rodgers and Key Steelers Starters Play in Preseason Week 1?
With a ton of veterans on the roster, Tomlin has to walk the thin line of counting on their experience and trying to prevent injuries, while also having them ready for kickoff in September. For the time being, he’s opting for the cautious route.
Mark Kaboly of the “Pat McAfee Show” confirmed that Tomlin was angling towards resting some of his key veterans. Beginning with Rodgers, his plan also sees offseason additions DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey, along with franchise cornerstone Cam Heyward, sit in Week 1.
“I’ve identified some guys that won’t be playing in this game this week. 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.”
Instead, his focus will be on the younger crop of the roster as they try to establish themselves and get a feel for how things might shape up during an actual game. As a result, Pittsburgh fans will have something to look forward to.
Even without the biggest guns out on the gridiron, the fan base will instead get a chance to see some young names try to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff. In particular, Â wide receiver Roman Wilson and running back Kaleb Johnson have a golden opportunity against Jacksonville.
Long list of players won’t participate for Steelers in preseason 1. Rodgers won’t play. pic.twitter.com/K6NdpyLzgm
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 7, 2025
Outside of Metcalf, the Steelers, in typical fashion, don’t have a ton of reliable pass catchers. A strong performance could insert Wilson’s name into the potential list of options for Rodgers throughout the season.
Similarly, a strong run game has always been a staple of the Pittsburgh offense. No Jaylen Warren means Johnson could be in line for a majority of the reps and could establish a role for himself in the offense early with a strong showing.
