Professional NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers will refrain from playing in the preseason alongside the majority of the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting roster, according to recent reports.
Pittsburgh Steelers to Rely on Mason Rudolph in Preseason Matchup Against Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that Mason Rudolph will be starting at quarterback for their second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 16, 2025 [1][2]. This decision comes as Aaron Rodgers, who recently joined the team, is being rested as part of the Steelers' plan to manage veteran players' workload.
Rodgers, a first-team star who was released by the New York Jets, did not play a preseason game since his time with the Green Bay Packers in 2018 [4][5]. He also did not play in the preseason with the Jets last year. The Steelers' head coach, Mike Tomlin, stated that he was not planning to use Rodgers due to his extensive career experience and snap total [3].
Rudolph, who rejoined the Steelers after a season with the Tennessee Titans, has been running the starting offense during the offseason and preseason practices [2]. In the Steelers' preseason opener last week, Skylar Thompson relieved Rudolph and completed 20 of 28 attempts for 233 yards [6]. Thompson also threw three touchdown passes, leading the team to a 31-25 victory over Jacksonville [7].
The Steelers' game plan for this preseason matchup includes giving playing time to their backups and developing depth. Key starters like Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, linebacker T.J. Watt, and defensive end Cam Heyward are inactive or resting [1][2]. This approach allows coaches to evaluate younger and backup players in live-game conditions while preserving the health of top veterans.
Rudolph expressed his readiness to lead the offense, stating that he has been operating the starting offense for most of the offseason [3]. He also showcased his ability in the first preseason game, connecting on a notable deep pass to receiver Roman Wilson [8]. The team emphasizes player development and execution improvement in these games, as noted in their preparation and mindset going into the matchup [9].
Rodgers, despite his willingness to play if requested by Mike Tomlin, will not be suiting up for the Steelers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. The veteran quarterback also expressed his views on preseason football, stating that it is not necessarily real football, because defenses do not do a lot [10].
The Steelers' second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take place at Acrisure Stadium, giving the team an opportunity to further evaluate their depth and prepare for the upcoming regular season.
References:
- ESPN
- Pro Football Talk
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- Sports Illustrated
- CBS Sports
- NFL.com
- USA Today
- Sportsnet
- The Athletic
- NBC Sports
- Mason Rudolph, the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will lead the team in their upcoming preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, slated for August 16, 2025.
- The Steelers' game against the Buccaneers is an opportunity for Rudolph to demonstrate his skills, having connected on a deep pass to receiver Roman Wilson during their last preseason game.
- Despite Aaron Rodgers' willingness to play, he will not be suiting up for the clash against the Buccaneers, with the Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin, emphasizing the importance of managing veteran players' workload.
- The NFL matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers serves as a platform for the Steelers to evaluate their backup players and develop team depth, mirroring the team's focus on execution improvement and player development in these games.
