“He gave me little jobs here and there just to make me feel included, and that went a long way,” Howard discussed on Rodgers’ experience from last season. “It definitely helped my confidence just being on the team, even though I wasn’t doing anything physically.”

Howard didn’t take a single snap during his rookie season, but he still made the most of the opportunity to watch A-Rod up close: “The way that he looks at his footwork, everything’s tied through your feet. Your feet are going to tell you where you’re going to throw the ball and how you’re going to throw the ball. In the red zone, chop your feet down, never more than a three-step drop, because everything happens faster.

“On third-and-long plays, where you’re maybe taking a quick five-(step drop) from the gun, cheat up a yard so that you’re not getting out of the tackles’ fan box.” With what could be Rodgers’ final season as a professional player, the future in Steelers Nation appears to be in good hands with Howard and Allar.

Rodgers’ experience paid off

In 2025, Aaron Rodgers enjoyed a highly productive debut season with the Steelers, completing 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. His arrival provided essential leadership and stability under center, leading the team to a 10-6 record and a playoff spot, proving to be a massive success despite an eventual Wild Card round exit against the Houston Texans.

Heading into the 2026 campaign, A-Rod will be one of the quarterbacks available for head coach Mike McCarthy during the preseason as the offense continues to build chemistry. Looking ahead to the exhibition opener against his former team in Green Bay, Rodgers revealed he wanted to play at Lambeau Field to get live reps and set the tone before the regular season begins.

Allar is already looking forward to a season alongside Rodgers

Drew Allar joined Steelers Nation in the latest draft after being selected in the third round with the No. 76 overall pick. There, he met Aaron Rodgers, who quickly began advising him on arm angles for specific throws.

“Aaron’s been great with that, helping me with different arm angles and really more tailoring it to specific throws,” Allar said. “He’s been more than willing to pull me aside, whether it be in meetings or out on the field during drill work to talk me through things. Then, he has me repeat a rep and try it, just to feel what he’s talking about and him also seeing me do it.”

The final piece of the QB room

It’s clear that Rodgers will be the starter in Week 1. However, Mike McCarthy’s dilemma is who will serve as his primary backup. While Drew Allar is further down the pecking order, the debate is mainly between Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph, who appears to have a slight edge in the competition.

Rodgers’ return to action has been one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Steelers’ preseason opener. Mike McCarthy now has to decide how much, if any, live action his veteran quarterback needs before the regular season begins.

The Steelers have Super Bowl aspirations, making Rodgers’ health the priority. At the same time, McCarthy could see value in giving him a few snaps in a new offense, particularly because Rodgers has not worked in this system for more than eight years.

Is Aaron Rodgers playing today for Steelers against Packers?

Aaron Rodgers could play one or two series against the Packers, but his availability remains a game-time decision. Rodgers has already made it clear that he is not particularly eager to take preseason snaps.

When asked about playing Thursday, the veteran offered a blunt assessment of exhibition football. “It’s preseason. It’s not real football. So, if I do, great. If not, great.”

That response suggests Rodgers would be perfectly comfortable staying on the sideline, but the final decision does not belong entirely to him. McCarthy will determine whether the benefits of getting his starting quarterback live reps outweigh the risk of exposing him to an unnecessary injury.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Packers will meet Thursday in the preseason opener at Acrisure Stadium, giving Rodgers another opportunity to face the franchise where he spent 18 seasons and established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in team history.

But Rodgers revealed that he had hoped the game would be played at Lambeau Field instead. The veteran quarterback was asked whether he would have preferred to make the trip back to Green Bay for the matchup, and his answer was emphatic. “100 percent. I was really hoping this one was going to be in Green Bay.”

Aaron Rodgers wanted his Lambeau Field return

The location makes this preseason matchup particularly intriguing for Rodgers. Lambeau Field was the stage where he became the Packers’ franchise quarterback, won Super Bowl XLV and established himself as one of the most decorated players in the history of the organization.

Instead of returning to Green Bay in a Steelers uniform, Rodgers will face his former team at Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium just like it happened during the 2025 season.

The Packers matchup still carries plenty of nostalgia, especially with Mike McCarthy now coaching the Steelers after previously leading Rodgers in Green Bay.

Rodgers has also acknowledged that his motivation to play in the preseason is limited. He said he is willing to play if McCarthy decides it is necessary, but he does not view preseason football as particularly meaningful.

Why Steelers-Packers feels different for Aaron Rodgers

Even if Rodgers only watches from the sideline, the matchup represents another chapter in his complicated relationship with Green Bay. He spent the majority of his career with the Packers before moving on to the Jets and then eventually joining Pittsburgh.

Now, with McCarthy also back in his corner, the Steelers have created an unexpected reunion between two figures who helped deliver the Packers their most recent Super Bowl championship.

For Rodgers, though, there is clearly one thing that would have made the reunion even more special: walking back onto the field at Lambeau Field in a different uniform. However, that door has been closed for good as this is the quarterback’s final year.

The Steelers are scheduled to open their preseason against the Green Bay Packers, giving McCarthy an early opportunity to evaluate his new offense. One of the biggest questions is whether Rodgers will take the field for a series or two, especially after spending the last several years in different offensive systems.

McCarthy could see value in giving Rodgers live reps before the regular season begins and might be leaning to start him. However, the risk of exposing a 42-year-old quarterback to unnecessary injury is also obvious, particularly with Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl ambitions riding on Rodgers’ availability.

Does Aaron Rodgers want to play in the preseason?

Aaron Rodgers was asked directly whether he would like to play Thursday, and his response suggested that he is perfectly comfortable either way. “It’s preseason. It’s not real football. So, if I do, great. If not, great.”

The answer is hardly a ringing endorsement of the idea. Rodgers appears to be leaving the decision entirely in McCarthy’s hands rather than pushing for an opportunity to get preseason reps.

That could put the Steelers coach in a difficult position. McCarthy knows Rodgers’ experience means he does not need extensive preseason work, but the quarterback is also learning to operate in a new environment after more than eight years away from the offensive system he previously ran with McCarthy in Green Bay.

Should Mike McCarthy play Aaron Rodgers?

The argument for playing Aaron Rodgers is straightforward: the Steelers want their new quarterback to build chemistry with his teammates and become comfortable in McCarthy’s offense before the regular season.

A couple of series could give Rodgers a chance to communicate with the offensive line, work with his receivers and experience the timing of the offense against an opposing defense. It could also help McCarthy evaluate how quickly his veteran quarterback can operate the system in a live-game setting.

The argument against it is equally compelling. Rodgers has already established himself as Pittsburgh’s QB1, and preseason statistics will not determine whether the Steelers make the playoffs or compete for the AFC North. An injury in a meaningless game, however, could dramatically change the team’s season.

For now, Rodgers’ message is simple: he is not asking to play. If McCarthy wants him on the field, he will be ready to go. If the Steelers decide to keep their veteran quarterback on the sideline, Rodgers appears equally comfortable with that decision.

Michael Pittman was traded in to be one of the main weapons for a returning Aaron Rodgers. However, he exited Saturday’s practice with a leg injury, and missed Monday practice altogether.

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Mike McCarthy confirmed Pittman suffered a leg injury, though he didn’t specify when the wideout will be fit again. Hence, Aaron Rodgers is using rookie Germie Bernard as one of the main targets right now. McCarthy is tasked with bringing the Steelers to relevance. Meanwhile, former head coach Mike Tomlin sent a subtle shot to the Steelers.

Pittman is not the only WR missing time

DK Metcalf is entering his second year as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he was not spotted in the final half of Saturday’s practice, nor was he seen on Monday. While no injury has been disclosed, it’s still curious to see him missing time.

Metcalf and Pittman should be the best two receivers on the Steelers. Hence, not having both could have a little setback on the offense progression. Still, it’s a golden opportunity for rookie Germie Bernard to get the spotlight.

Steelers updated WR depth chart for 2026 NFL season

Mike McCarthy might not be regarded as an innovator. However, his offenses usually look good and his record as a head coach is pretty good too. Now, his offensive mind must use the following wideouts to have a great passing game with Aaron Rodgers throwing the football:

• DK Metcalf
• Michael Pittman Jr.
• Germie Bernard
• Roman Wilson
• Kaden Wetjen
• Ben Skowronek
• Levi Wentz
• Brandon Smith
• Max Hurleman
• Jakobie Keeney-James
• Joaquin Davis

Allar has impressed at different moments during training camp, but his development is being closely watched because the Steelers already have an established QB1 in Rodgers and several quarterbacks competing for the spots behind him.

For Allar, however, the value of having Rodgers in the building goes beyond competition. The rookie revealed that he has been picking the veteran’s brain about one specific part of his passing mechanics.

Drew Allar on learning from Aaron Rodgers

Drew Allar explained that he has been working with Aaron Rodgers on the trajectory of his throws, an area where the veteran quarterback has developed an elite level of precision throughout his career.

“I felt really good, and it’s been something I’ve been working on, in terms of the trajectory of the throw. I’ve been picking Aaron Rodgers’s brain on it for like a week or so. So, to kind of be able to have the chance to do it in a live setting, even though it’s 7-on-7, but against live DBs in tight coverage. I felt really good.”

That detail is important because Allar is still learning how to translate his physical tools into consistent NFL-level execution. Having someone like Rodgers available to offer advice could accelerate that process. During his time at Penn State, mechanics was one of the main factors against Drew.

Drew Allar’s Steelers QB competition

Allar enters a crowded quarterback room in Pittsburgh. Rodgers is locked in as the starter, while Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are also competing for roles behind him.

That makes every training-camp opportunity important for the rookie. Allar may not be expected to challenge Rodgers for the starting job immediately, but his development could influence the Steelers’ long-term plans at the position.

Rodgers’ presence gives Allar an unusual advantage. Instead of simply watching one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks from a distance, he can ask questions, study his mechanics and receive direct feedback.

For the Steelers, that could be one of the hidden benefits of bringing Rodgers to Pittsburgh. Even if Allar does not play a major role in 2026, the experience of spending a season learning from Rodgers could become an important part of his development as a potential quarterback of the future.

“I do love it (the game), yeah,” Rodgers said in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio with Pat Kirwan. “I’m also 42. I’ve played 22 years. I played three in college. I’ve never had a fall to myself. I want to start a family with my wife, you know? I think you just have to know when it’s time.

“And, you know, there’s been times in the last three offseasons where I felt like maybe it is time. But doors open, and I just tried to listen to the signs. I might have been listening to the wrong signs by going to New York, but it was a good learning experience, you know, and I learned a lot during that process, and I am thankful for that time there.“

His only year with Tomlin was key to bringing back his joy: “And I’m thankful for last year with Coach Tomlin, because he helped me get that love back, that deep love back for the game.“

The Rodgers-Tomlin connection paid off

During their lone 2025 season together in Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin guided the Steelers to a 10-7 regular-season record and an AFC North title. Operating in a run-heavy offense, Rodgers started 16 games, completing 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions with a 94.8 passer rating.

However, their campaign came to a disappointing end in the AFC Wild Card round with a 30-6 home blowout loss to the Houston Texans, where a flu-stricken Rodgers was held to just 146 passing yards and an interception.

A bad memory in New York

Aaron Rodgers’ tenure with the New York Jets was defined by heartbreak and a modest rebound. After arriving via a high-profile trade in 2023, his debut season ended almost immediately when he tore his left Achilles tendon on just his fourth snap of Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

Returning fully healthy for the 2024 season, Rodgers played all 17 games, completing 63.0% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 90.5 passer rating. Across his 18 total games in New York, he finished with 3,897 passing yards, 28 TDs, and 11 INTs before parting ways with the franchise.

A new chapter in Steel City

The reunion with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh has reignited optimism for Aaron Rodgers as he enters what he confirmed will be his final NFL season in 2026. Reuniting with the head coach who guided him to a Super Bowl victory and two MVP awards in Green Bay brings an immediate level of comfort, familiarity, and elite communication to the offense.

Rodgers said: “…then they hired Mike McCarthy, and I was like, ‘Okay, maybe we need a full circle here, me and Mike need a full circle here.”

As expected, Rodgers enters the season as the unquestioned QB1 after signing for what is expected to be the final year of his NFL career. However, the backup job is an open race.

Now, Mike McCarthy’s first depth chart offers an early look at how the Steelers currently view the future of the quarterback position. A bittersweet start for Will Howard and Drew Allar.

Mason Rudolph listed as QB2

The biggest surprise is that Mason Rudolph is currently listed as Rodgers’ backup. That means Will Howard remains the No. 3 quarterback despite generating optimism earlier this offseason that he could emerge as the primary backup.

Another notable development is that Howard sits ahead of rookie Drew Allar, who is currently listed as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart. Allar has been impressive in his first days with the Steelers, but, it wasn’t enough to climb a spot.

Steelers QB depth chart is very intriguing

The Steelers could carry four quarterbacks into the 2026 regular season in a very surprising move. The normal procedure is to hold three spots, but, the QB situation is crucial for Pittsburgh.

At first glance, Rudolph appears to have strengthened his chances of making the final roster after being named QB2. However, the competition is far from over toward the future.

McCarthy has repeatedly spoken positively about Howard’s development, and the Steelers still view Allar as a long-term investment after selecting him in the 2026 Draft. That makes it difficult to imagine the rookie being released before the season.

With preseason games still ahead, the battle behind Rodgers remains one of the most fascinating storylines in Pittsburgh. For now, though, Rudolph holds the inside track as the Steelers’ backup quarterback.

The discussion centers on Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to receive a significant amount of playing time during the preseason as the Steelers enter a new era without Mike Tomlin.

While the Steelers believe those reps could help build rhythm before Week 1, Roethlisberger isn’t convinced it’s the right approach for a 42-year-old quarterback entering the final season of his career.

Ben Roethlisberger questions Aaron Rodgers’ preseason workload

Speaking about the situation, Ben Roethlisberger explained on his podcast Footbahlin why he believes Aaron Rodgers has nothing left to prove in preseason games.

“Last year, was it smart? Sure, it was. It was a new offense and a new team. Now, this is his offense. He knows this. He doesn’t need to be out there in the preseason. I guess if you want some continuity. I think they said something between 30 and 60 plays for the whole preseason. I don’t know if that’s how many games or whatever, but you’re talking maybe 20 plays a game. That’s a lot.”

For Roethlisberger, the risk of exposing Rodgers to unnecessary hits outweighs any potential benefit. Injuries are a crucial part of the game and, from a team’s overall perspective, there’s another important situation.

Who will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback?

There is no debate about Pittsburgh’s starter. Aaron Rodgers will open the season as the Steelers’ No. 1 quarterback, making the preseason more valuable for the younger players behind him.

Roethlisberger said that those snaps should be used instead to evaluate Will Howard, who enters his second NFL season, and rookie Drew Allar, who has already generated excitement during training camp.

“Don’t take reps away from those other guys for a Hall of Fame guy that already knows this offense. That’s my argument. Like, man, let’s get reps for the other guys. Not only is it a lot for your quarterback, the Hall of Famer you built this team around, but what it also does, more importantly, is it takes all those reps away from other guys. Have Aaron go one series. Let him go one series, whatever that entails, and pull him out. Then I’d go right to whoever is next.”

With only three preseason games on the schedule, opportunities to evaluate the future of the quarterback position are limited. That is why Roethlisberger believes Pittsburgh should prioritize the development of their young passers rather than giving extensive preseason work to a veteran who already knows the offense.

As the veteran quarterback prepares for what is expected to be his final NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one question continues to follow him everywhere: what comes next in 2027?

The uncertainty has been understandable. Rodgers publicly hinted at retirement before the 2025 season, only to return for one more run after the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as head coach. This time, however, the future Hall of Famer left little room for interpretation.

Will Aaron Rodgers retire after the 2026 season?

Yes. Aaron Rodgers will retire after the 2026 season. During The Pat McAfee Show live from Steelers training camp in Latrobe, fans began chanting: “One more year! One more year!”

Rodgers immediately shut down any hope that he would continue beyond the 2026 campaign. “Nah, it won’t be one more year. Thank you though. I’m going out after this. We’ll make a good year of this one.”

Rather than leaving the door open for another comeback, the quarterback made it clear that all of his attention is on making his final season count. The Steelers believe they have assembled a roster capable of competing for a championship, with Rodgers leading an offense featuring DK Metcalf and one of the league’s strongest defenses.

If Rodgers’ plans do not change, the 2026 season will be remembered as the final chapter of one of the greatest quarterback careers in NFL history, and Pittsburgh’s last opportunity to help him end it with another Super Bowl trophy.

“He [wants me out there for] 30 or 40 plays,” Rodgers told Mike Silver of The Athletic. “I said, ‘Mike, if you want me to play, I’ll play.’ I’m not saying I want to do it. But if he wants me to, I will.”

McCarthy admitted his desire to see him play in the preseason, although he has not made a final decision yet. “We have plans … he’d like to play. I’d like to see him play. But we won’t make a decision until we get all the way up to it,” the head coach said according to ESPN‘s Brooke Pryor.

Rodgers is someone who knows his body very well and, at this stage of his career, understands that he cannot take unnecessary risks before the start of what could be his final season. However, he might grant his head coach’s wish so the two can build the same synergy that previously led them to the ultimate success years ago with the Green Bay Packers.

Breaking a tradition

Under Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh always prioritized having all starters — including veteran quarterbacks — play at least a couple of offensive series during the preseason to “tune up” the team before Week 1. With Aaron Rodgers arriving in Steel City, it marked the first time in the Tomlin era that a healthy starter did not take a single snap in August.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason games

Only a few weeks remain until the start of a new NFL season, and before that, preseason games will provide a preview of what could be ahead. If Rodgers takes the field for a few snaps, he will go head-to-head with two familiar opponents: the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets.

• vs Green Bay Packers, August 13
• vs New York Jets, August 21
• at Buffalo Bills, August 27

How did Rodgers do under Mike Tomlin?

Under Mike Tomlin in 2025, Aaron Rodgers provided a steady veteran presence for the Pittsburgh Steelers, guiding them to a 10–7 record. In his campaign in the Steel City, the veteran quarterback threw for 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions with a 65.7% completion rate and a 94.8 passer rating.

However, the season came to a bitter end for the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round, where Rodgers and the offense were completely smothered in a 30–6 loss to the Houston Texans, managing only 146 passing yards under relentless defensive pressure.