Story perspectives

Rodgers Set to Play Two Steelers Preseason Games

8/4/2026

Summary

Rodgers Preseason Return

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy asked Aaron Rodgers to play in two preseason games.
Rodgers said he will suit up if asked, targeting 30-40 snaps, with the decision pending quarterback health.
The Steelers will host the Packers on Aug. 13 and the Jets on Aug. 21, both former teams of Rodgers.
Rodgers has pledged the 2026 season will be his final NFL year, citing McCarthy’s hiring as a key factor.

Summary

Steelers Draft Allar

The Steelers drafted quarterback Drew Allar in the third round to compete with Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard for the backup role behind Aaron Rodgers.
Mike McCarthy plans to have Aaron Rodgers play early in the preseason, which could limit backup quarterbacks’ evaluation and raise injury concerns.
An injury to Rodgers in preseason would force the Steelers to rely on backups with minimal experience, jeopardizing early-season readiness.

Summary

Rodgers Limits Backups

The Steelers’ front office faces a salary-cap dilemma because quarterback Aaron Rodgers would take preseason snaps that could evaluate cheaper backups.
Rodgers logged only 10 preseason snaps in 2023 and has not had an extended preseason workload since 2015, underscoring the rarity for a veteran.
He is slated for 40 snaps while each of the three other quarterbacks is expected to see 47, limiting backup reps and affecting contracts.

History

Historical Context

After releasing veteran quarterback Peyton Manning in March 2012, the Indianapolis Colts used the #1 pick to draft Andrew Luck, turning a 2-14 season into an 11-5 record and their first playoff without Manning since 1996. That 2012 transition showed how limiting preseason reps for a departing star can reshape backup development, a concern echoed by the 2024 Steelers limiting Aaron Rodgers.

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Rodgers Preseason Return

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy asked Aaron Rodgers to play in two preseason games.
Rodgers said he will suit up if asked, targeting 30-40 snaps, with the decision pending quarterback health.
The Steelers will host the Packers on Aug. 13 and the Jets on Aug. 21, both former teams of Rodgers.
Rodgers has pledged the 2026 season will be his final NFL year, citing McCarthy’s hiring as a key factor.

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