When the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to play the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 of the preseason, the question is how many starters will actually see the field. The answer: some, but not all.
Some, but Not All, Pittsburgh Starters Expected To Play vs. Carolina
Coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed many healthy starters are expected to participate, but a few key veterans will sit out.
T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Aaron Rodgers, and DK Metcalf are all set to rest in this final tuneup before the regular season. “As far as playing time, there’s really four guys that I’m not considering playing. Cam, T.J., Aaron, and DK. Everyone else is under consideration,” Tomlin said.
This is classic Tomlin — protecting veterans who don’t need every snap while giving the rest of the roster a chance to shine.
For other players, Thursday’s game is a big opportunity. Young offensive linemen, new defensive backs such as Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay, and those competing for roster spots will get valuable game experience. The coaching staff will use the matchup to evaluate how the new pieces fit before finalizing the 53-man roster.
The Steelers had a busy offseason, adding star power to make a splash in 2025. Rodgers is at quarterback, Metcalf at wide receiver, and defensive additions like Ramsey, Slay, and Malik Harrison are designed to push Pittsburgh to the top of the AFC North.
Expectations for the Steelers in 2025
On paper, this team looks ready to compete at the highest level. In reality, projections are more modest. Analysts expect around eight or nine wins, with a playoff berth possible if the newcomers produce and the team stays healthy. Some fans may be surprised that Rodgers and Metcalf haven’t played in the preseason, but as veterans, they don’t need every snap to get ready.
Preparation is only part of Thursday’s game. Another is determining who can step up. Fans will be watching to see which young players fight for more playing time and how deep the Steelers appear in live action.
Although not all of the starters will play against Carolina, Pittsburgh is trying to strike a balance between player preparation and health. The obvious objective is to move beyond simply winning games and become a strong contender in the AFC. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Steelers to see how they fare and whether they were right to bring in a new identity into the mix.
