Full Breakdown
Rodgers Faces Preseason Decision as McCarthy Pushes for Game Action
8/4/2026, 4:09:29 AM
Core Event: McCarthy Requests Rodgers Play in First Two Preseason Games
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has asked veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to suit up for the Steelers’ first two preseason contests. The opening game is scheduled for August 13 against the Green Bay Packers, and the second matchup will follow a week later against the New York Jets. McCarthy’s request centers on Rodgers taking “30 or 40 plays” in each game. Rodgers told *The Athletic* he will comply if asked, though he expressed no personal desire to do so.
Background & Context
Rodgers, 42, entered the 2026 season declaring it will be his final year in the NFL. He cited the hiring of McCarthy as a key factor in extending his career, saying the reunion altered his mindset. Historically, Rodgers has seen very limited preseason action: his last extensive preseason exposure came in 2018 with the Packers, and he logged only two series in the 2023 preseason with the Jets. He did not appear in any preseason snaps during the 2024 or 2025 seasons.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 42 years.
- Requested snaps: 30-40 plays per game (McCarthy’s target).
- Last preseason snap count: 10 plays in 2023 with the Jets.
- Preseason appearances since 2018: two series (2023) plus the upcoming games would be his most extensive preseason action in eight seasons.
Official Statements & Responses
McCarthy addressed the plan at a Monday press conference, emphasizing that the final decision will be made closer to game day. He said, “Those decisions, really, will be made once we get up to it,” and added,
Rodgers, speaking with Michael Silver of *The Athletic*, confirmed the request and his willingness to follow it: “He (wants me out there for) 30 or 40 plays,” he said, followed by,
Both coaches noted that the preseason will also serve to evaluate the Steelers’ backup quarterback group—Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar—whose snap totals could be affected by Rodgers’ participation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on when Rodgers last saw “significant” preseason action. Some reports state his most extensive preseason involvement was in 2018, while others point to the 2023 series with the Jets as his latest exposure. No source provides a definitive snap count for the 2023 appearance beyond the ten-play figure cited by *CBS News*. The discrepancy leaves uncertainty about the exact baseline from which Rodgers is returning.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He (wants me out there for) 30 or 40 plays,” — Aaron Rodgers
- “Those decisions, really, will be made once we get up to it,” — Mike McCarthy, steelers head coach
- “Well, I mean, those decisions are really going to be made once you get up to it. Trust me, I have a lot of ideas. We have plans, but being a healthy system, let's see what happens,” — Mike McCarthy, steelers head coach
- “Trust me, I’ve got a lot of ideas. We have plans, a lot can happen between now and then.” — Mike McCarthy, steelers head coach
These quotations capture the core exchange between Rodgers and McCarthy and illustrate the coaching staff’s intent to integrate the veteran quarterback into early-season preparations.
