Even in his early 40’s, Aaron Rodgers continues to make himself one of the biggest stories in the NFL. In his 21st pro season, he will look to keep the Pittsburgh Steelers competitive and elevate them a bit.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback just finished a disastrous two-year stint with the talented but disappointing New York Jets. He didn’t play in the Steelers’ first preseason game last weekend, as they opted to start Skylar Thompson and have Mason Rudolph serve as their QB2 in their 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If fans were hoping to see Rodgers this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will be disappointed by what Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said. Tomlin told reporters that several key starters, including Rodgers, will sit versus Tampa Bay.
#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin tells reporters that veterans such as Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward won’t play in their second preseason game, among others.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2025
Read more: Russell Wilson’s Playing Status for Giants-Jets Unclear
While with the Jets, Rodgers, when he was healthy, occasionally flashed reminders of the old version of himself who was regularly embarrassing defenses as a member of the Green Bay Packers. But by and large, he looked like a shell of his former self.
After being traded to New York during the 2023 offseason, he tore his Achilles during the team’s first offensive series of the 2023 campaign. Last year, he threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, but his 90.5 passer rating was the lowest it had ever been in a season in which he had been healthy and a starter.
Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
The Steelers have been playing quarterback roulette ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. They experimented with Kenny Pickett, a University of Pittsburgh product, for the next two years before trying their hand with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in 2024.
They have undergone some significant changes since the end of last season. Wide receiver George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys and has essentially been replaced by D.K. Metcalf, and running back Najee Harris is now with the Los Angeles Chargers.
But Pittsburgh’s defense remains strong. T.J. Watt is always a pass-rushing monster, and it has added veteran cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. Slay, of course, is fresh off winning the Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Read more: Steelers Highest Ranked Position Group is Good News For Aaron Rodgers
The team ranked eighth in points allowed last season, and that ranking could improve this fall. However, its offensive line is a significant concern, and its deficiencies at that position group will be magnified given Rodgers’ wear and tear and lack of mobility.
Since the Steelers hired Tomlin to be their head coach in 2007, they have never finished with a losing record. All eyes in Western Pennsylvania will be on Rodgers to see if he will keep that streak intact.
For more on the Steelers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.