Football star Aaron Rodgers indicates readiness for the preseason opener, should he be invited
In the world of NFL football, the Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. However, one key player, Aaron Rodgers, the oldest active NFL player at 41 years old, may not be in action.
Rodgers, who joined the Steelers in June on a one-year deal, has not participated in any preseason games so far this year, including the second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coach Mike Tomlin, who oversees the Steelers, has chosen to hold Rodgers out of these games, focusing instead on controlled practice reps rather than live game snaps.
Tomlin's decision stems from Rodgers' extensive experience and cumulative career snaps, which necessitate a different approach to preparation compared to younger players. This strategy aligns with a broader trend in the NFL, where veteran quarterbacks like Rodgers might not need preseason game reps for readiness, opting instead for practice and controlled reps to avoid injury risk while still preparing for the regular season.
Rodgers himself has expressed appreciation for joint practice sessions over preseason games. He believes that joint practices can be "less vanilla" and potentially more useful for preparation than typical preseason game action. This perspective is shared by Coach Tomlin, who implies adaptability in managing players like Rodgers based on their specific needs and career stage.
Meanwhile, the Steelers' preseason has not been without its challenges. Rookie Will Howard, listed as the third-string QB, sustained a hand injury during Tuesday's practice after smacking his hand against a helmet. As a result, Howard will not be available for the Jacksonville game.
In the Steelers' depth chart, Rodgers is the backup quarterback for Aaron Rodgers, with Mason Rudolph in the second spot. Skylar Thompson is QB4, and Rookie Will Howard was QB3 before his injury.
Aaron Rodgers has not committed to participating in the Jacksonville game, stating that he is open to whatever Coach Tomlin decides. He has, however, expressed a willingness to play preseason reps if requested by Tomlin. Rodgers also mentioned that he expects to have an "interesting conversation" with Tomlin about his participation in the Jacksonville game.
Rodgers last played in a non-exhibition game in 2018, and his last preseason game was during his first season with the New York Jets in 2023. Despite this, he remains eager and ready for the upcoming season with the Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers will undoubtedly be a fascinating team to watch as the season unfolds. With Rodgers' unique approach to preseason preparation and the team's promising roster, Steelers fans have much to look forward to.
[1] - https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34740344/aaron-rodgers-pittsburgh-steelers-focusing-controlled-reps-preseason [2] - https://www.npr.org/2022/08/19/1124676965/aaron-rodgers-steelers-preseason [3] - https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/08/20/aaron-rodgers-pittsburgh-steelers-preseason-focus-on-practice-not-games [4] - https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/aaron-rodgers-says-he-will-play-in-pittsburgh-steelers-preseason-if-asked-by-mike-tomlin/
[1] In the NFL, Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers' backup quarterback and the oldest active NFL player at 41 years old, may miss the team's preseason opener due to Coach Mike Tomlin's decision to focus on controlled practice reps rather than live game snaps.
[2] Rodgers, who is a veteran quarterback with extensive career snaps, joins a trend in the NFL that suggests veteran players might not need preseason game reps for readiness.
[3] Despite not committing to the Jacksonville game, Aaron Rodgers has expressed a willingness to play preseason reps if requested by Coach Tomlin, stating that he expects to have an "interesting conversation" about his participation.
[4] Rodgers' unique approach to preseason preparation, which values joint practice sessions over preseason games, aligns with Coach Tomlin's adaptable management style for players based on their specific needs and career stage.
[5] The Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason has been challenging, with rookie Will Howard, listed as the third-string QB, sustaining a hand injury during practice and being unavailable for the Jacksonville game.
[6] With Aaron Rodgers' eager readiness for the upcoming season and the Steelers' promising roster, the team will undoubtedly be a fascinating one to watch as the season unfolds.
