Week 2 of the NFL preseason brings a familiar question to Acrisure Stadium: how much will fans actually see of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting lineup? With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in town for a Saturday night matchup, is Aaron Rodgers making his debut in the black and gold?
Are the Steelers Playing Their Starters in Week 2 of NFL Preseason?
The Steelers and Buccaneers wrapped up joint practices Thursday, allowing both teams to simulate game-like reps without the risk of injury. For Pittsburgh, that may be the closest its starters get to live action this week.
Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Thursday that quarterback Aaron Rodgers and most of the team’s veteran starters will not play against Tampa Bay, mirroring the approach taken in the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That list includes wide receiver DK Metcalf, tight end Jonnu Smith, edge rusher T.J. Watt, and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
A+ response from Aaron Rodgers
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“I’m going to play this preseason game very much like we did the first one,” Tomlin said. “In terms of participation, the same collection of guys that were held out the last time will comprise the guys that are held out this time.”
Both teams enter the matchup coming off Week 1 victories. Pittsburgh edged Jacksonville 31-25 behind a breakout performance from quarterback Skylar Thompson, while Tampa Bay cruised past Tennessee 29-7 thanks to a pair of rushing touchdowns and three defensive takeaways.
Skylar Thompson with a dart in between two defenders
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In his 21st NFL season, Rodgers has embraced the joint practice format, noting that defenses are “less vanilla” than in preseason games. Tomlin hinted last week that Rodgers may not play at all this preseason, citing his experience and preparation needs.
How To Watch Pittsburgh’s Week 2 Matchup Against Tampa Bay
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. The game will air locally in Pittsburgh on KDKA-TV, with Bob Pompeani handling play-by-play, Charlie Batch providing analysis, and Missi Matthews reporting from the sideline. In Tampa Bay, WFLA-TV will broadcast the event, featuring Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, and Aileen Hnatiuk.
For out-of-market fans, the game will also stream live on NFL+, allowing viewers from anywhere to watch this crucial Buccaneers-Steelers preseason matchup.
Steelers radio coverage will be available on WDVE 102.5 FM and WBGG 970 AM for those on the go, with Bill Hillgrove and Max Starks on the call. Buccaneers radio coverage will air on WXTB 97.9 FM, with Gene Deckerhoff and Dave Moore in the booth. SiriusXM will carry the game on Channel 225 for Pittsburgh and Channel 381 for Tampa Bay.
