

Aaron Rodgers was never expected to suit up for the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ preseason opener this Saturday. But after a few strong practices and an unexpected change in the QB depth chart, the future Hall of Famer isn’t closing the door on a quick cameo.
“I don’t think it’s in the plan for me to play this week,”Rodgers said after Wednesday’s practice at Saint Vincent College. “But whatever Mike [Tomlin] wants to do, I’m fully on board.”
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It’s the kind of flexibility you don’t always hear from a 20-year vet, especially one who hasn’t played a preseason snap since 2022. But Rodgers likes what he’s seeing – and feeling – in this offense. And with rookie quarterback Will Howard now sidelined with a hand injury, the team’s rotation under center is looking a little different heading into Saturday’s game against the Jaguars.
Howard, who’s been a standout early in camp, broke his finger Tuesday after smacking it on a helmet during 11-on-11 drills. Tomlin called him “week-to-week,” and it appears surgery won’t be necessary. But that still leaves Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson to split game reps.
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Rodgers has taken a clear interest in mentoring Howard since arriving in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal in June. “It [stinks] for him for sure,” he said. “This is a growth year, a year to learn, and this should just be a minor setback.”
While Howard’s learning curve pauses, Rodgers is ramping up – not just physically, but mentally. He’s been diving deep into Arthur Smith’s offensive system, which he says is finally starting to come together after some shaky early sessions. According to Rodgers, recent practices have been “night and day” compared to where things started.
That progress might be what’s nudging him toward a few early reps.
On Tuesday, Rodgers and Smith spent hours discussing the scheme, tweaks, and what the offense could become. “He’s not a rigid guy at all,” Rodgers said. “Ideas from me, from receivers – everything is on the table.”
Whether or not No. 12 takes the field against Jacksonville, there’s no mistaking it: Rodgers isn’t just here for the ride. He’s here to build something, and Saturday could be his first on-field step in that process.
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