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Rodgers Announces Final Season as Steelers Hold Mock Game

8/1/2026

Summary

McCarthy Runs Mock-Game

On July 31, 2026, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy ran a mock-game at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe to rehearse game management and special-teams.
He conducted the drill at three-quarters to half speed and banned tackling to reduce injury risk.
McCarthy moved practice start times to late morning, added light-work days, and said GPS data aids but human judgment decides.
Veteran linebacker Patrick Queen noted the first practice ended at 12:46 p.m.

Summary

Rodgers Announces Finale

Aaron Rodgers announced this will be his final season, reuniting with coach Mike McCarthy.
Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar competed in a quarterback drill, where Will Howard threw a 60-yard pass to Kaden Wetjen.
Roman Wilson has become Aaron Rodgers’ most frequent target, anchoring the slot-receiver position.
Broderick Jones cleared a neck injury and is practicing both tackle spots, challenging rookie Max Iheanachor for right tackle.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 NFL-NFLPA collective bargaining agreement, signed on August 4 2011 and effective through 2021, introduced health-safety provisions. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the rules, and the league’s safety office later noted a drop in practice injuries. Coach Mike McCarthy’s non-tackle mock-game at Saint Vincent College follows that safety-first legacy, aiming to protect veterans like Aaron Rodgers.

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McCarthy Runs Mock-Game

On July 31, 2026, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy ran a mock-game at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe to rehearse game management and special-teams.
He conducted the drill at three-quarters to half speed and banned tackling to reduce injury risk.
McCarthy moved practice start times to late morning, added light-work days, and said GPS data aids but human judgment decides.
Veteran linebacker Patrick Queen noted the first practice ended at 12:46 p.m.

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