Now working as an NBC analyst, Tomlin appeared on The Rich Eisen Show and was asked whether he believes the Steelers can actually win the Super Bowl this season with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and Mike McCarthy taking over as head coach.

“I certainly do. I think that’s the only reason Aaron comes back. He believes it, I believe it. I don’t think he comes back if he doesn’t believe that. I think they got the bones of having a good unit at all three phases.”

Can the Steelers win the Super Bowl?

Mike Tomlin believes the Steelers can win the Super Bowl. Tomlin pointed to Rodgers’ decision to return as one of the biggest reasons he thinks Pittsburgh should have legitimate championship aspirations.

The Steelers are entering a new chapter after Tomlin’s departure and McCarthy’s arrival as his replacement. Rodgers, meanwhile, is back for another season in Pittsburgh, giving the franchise a veteran quarterback with championship experience in his official last dance.

For Tomlin, Rodgers’ decision to return is more than simply a commitment to another NFL season. He believes the veteran quarterback returned because he genuinely thinks Pittsburgh has a chance to compete for the Lombardi Trophy. And Tomlin appears to share that belief.

Steelers could be the NFL’s 2026 dark horse

Mike Tomlin acknowledged that the Steelers are not receiving the same level of attention as some of the other teams considered among the top Super Bowl contenders. That, however, could ultimately work in Pittsburgh’s favor.

“Certainly, they’re probably not being talked about in the ways that some others are being talked about, but that can be a good motivator and a catalyst for them as well. I think they got high expectations, and I think they should have high expectations.”

“I don’t think I’ve been in a roster with four quarterbacks. Obviously when you do that you’re taking a spot from another place in the team but, at the same time, the best 53 are gonna make it . . . those four are part of the 53,” A-Rod said Wednesday.

“I’m happy for all those guys, obviously looking to the future. Cause all the three guys will have the chance when I’m gone . . . I’m excited for those guys’ future,” Rodgers added.

The Steelers’ crowded QB room

Rodgers’ last dance in the NFL will be played in black and gold, as he looks to improve on his 2025 campaign, when the Steelers were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Houston Texans. The veteran will have three other quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart, giving Mike McCarthy options to turn to if necessary.

Veteran Mason Rudolph is listed as the first backup in the QB room, while the younger quarterbacks follow behind him. Will Howard is the third option, with recently drafted Drew Allar rounding out the group.

Rodgers’ passing options

DK Metcalf was one of Rodgers’ targets last season, and the receiving corps was further strengthened with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. Unfortunately for the former Indianapolis Colts receiver, a physical setback limited his time working with his new quarterback in practice, but Rodgers himself expressed satisfaction with what he has seen, as well as Metcalf and Roman Wilson.

“He was hurt, so it is what it is. We got to get him up to speed, but I feel great about — DK and Roman have had arguably 2 of the top probably 5 camps on the team. DK has looked unbelievable.”

The Steelers’ season opener

This year, expectations are high in Steel City, as the Steelers have reunited Rodgers and McCarthy, a duo that already knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Getting off to a strong start will be crucial, and these are the first games on their schedule as they look to do so:

• vs Atlanta Falcons, September 13 – Week 1
• at New England Patriots, September 20 – Week 2
• vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 27 – Week 3
• at Cleveland Browns, October 1 – Week 4
• vs Indianapolis Colts, October 11 – Week 5

“I think I have done a good job,” Rudolph revealed to the press. “I have had a good camp. I like the way the offense is evolving and trending. I think Aaron has had a lot of input, tailoring things to the way he likes it.”

The preseason has been a trial by fire for Steelers Nation, particularly for Will Howard and Drew Allar. Rudolph appears to have gained a slight edge over his fellow quarterbacks in the race to sit behind A-Rod, following Howard and Allar’s performances in the preseason games.

A new era under Mike McCarthy

After nearly two decades at the helm of the team, Mike Tomlin stepped down, and Mike McCarthy was chosen to replace him. So far during training camp and preseason, Mason Rudolph appears to be comfortable with his new coaching staff.

“Coach McCarthy has got a ton of great concepts,” Rudolph said. “He’s worked hard with the installation process. Coach Angelichio is great in front of the unit. He really is. He’s a great teacher. I am happy.”

While it is clear that the connection between McCarthy and Rodgers will be the main source of excitement for fans in Pittsburgh, Rudolph is steadily adapting to his new coaching scheme to be ready when his opportunity comes. Unexpected situations happen in the NFL, so being ready and available when called upon is a must.

What’s next for the Steelers?

There is little time left before the start of a new season, and the Pittsburgh Steelers already know they will open at home against the Atlanta Falcons on September 13. Before that, they will play their final preseason game at Highmark Stadium against the Buffalo Bills on August 27.

Their first two preseason games left plenty to analyze. The first was an impressive 28-9 victory over the Green Bay Packers, with a strong performance from Will Howard, while their second matchup ended in a 17-0 shutout loss to the New York Jets.

The decision is part of Pittsburgh’s approach to managing Rodgers’ preseason workload with the regular season taking priority. Rodgers also sat out the Steelers’ preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, making it increasingly likely that the 42-year-old quarterback could go through the entire preseason without taking a snap.

McCarthy has made it clear that the priority is getting the Steelers ready for the games that count rather than exposing Rodgers to unnecessary preseason action.

Aaron Rodgers won’t play for Steelers vs Jets

Aaron Rodgers has also previously made his feelings about exhibition football known, describing preseason football as not being “real football.” With Rodgers already firmly established as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback, the coaching staff appears to believe that his preparation can be handled through practices and joint-work sessions rather than preseason games.

That makes Friday’s matchup against the Jets another opportunity to evaluate the quarterbacks behind Rodgers. The Steelers are using the game to give Will Howard and Drew Allar extended opportunities, while Mason Rudolph will also sit out.

Who will be the Steelers’ starting QB vs Jets?

Will Howard will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback against the Jets, with the second-year signal-caller expected to receive an extended look before Drew Allar takes over.

Howard impressed in Pittsburgh’s preseason opener against Green Bay, completing 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards and leading a touchdown drive. Allar was even more productive statistically, completing 10 of 13 attempts for 154 yards and three total touchdowns.

The plan gives both young QBs an important opportunity to build momentum in the competition for roster spots. Howard is expected to handle the first half, while Allar should take the second half, allowing Mike McCarthy’s coaching staff to evaluate each quarterback with a much larger sample than in a typical preseason rotation.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are particularly interested in seeing how the two young players perform with extended responsibility rather than just a handful of drives. It’s important to remember they’re still looking for a franchise quarterback.

What about Mason Rudolph?

Mason Rudolph’s absence is also significant because the Steelers currently have four quarterbacks on their roster, something the team may not ultimately want to carry into the regular season.

That makes the performances of Howard and Allar even more important, while Rudolph’s place on the roster could become part of the conversation if either young quarterback continues to impress.

For now, Rodgers remains comfortably ahead as QB1, but Friday’s game could have major implications for how the Steelers construct the rest of their quarterback room in 2026.

The former New England Patriots quarterback became part of the conversation after a video from 2010 resurfaced and went viral. In the footage, Brady remained on the field deep into the third quarter of a preseason game, with Randy Moss also playing alongside him.

The clip quickly drew comparisons to today’s NFL, where several star quarterbacks are reluctant to take part in exhibition games. Aaron Rodgers, for example, recently described preseason football as “not real football” with the Steelers.

What did Tom Brady say about NFL players skipping preseason?

Tom Brady did not mention Aaron Rodgers by name, but his comments clearly challenge the modern approach taken by star players who prefer to avoid preseason action.

“Preseason, regular season, I never wanted to be taken off the field. Practice makes perfect. Too many people looking for easy ways out these days. When you’re a football player, and it’s football season, your job is to play football.”

The message is particularly striking coming from a quarterback who spent more than two decades playing at the highest level. Brady’s approach was famously centered around preparation and repetition, and he appears to believe that preseason snaps are part of that process.

His resurfaced 2010 performance provides a perfect example of that mentality. Brady was not simply making a brief appearance before heading to the sideline. He remained involved deep into the game while playing alongside one of his most dangerous weapons in Moss.

Why Tom Brady’s comments matter for Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is one of the most prominent examples of the changing attitude toward preseason football. The Steelers quarterback has made it clear that he would be comfortable sitting out Pittsburgh’s exhibition games, leaving the decision to Mike McCarthy.

The argument from modern NFL teams is understandable. Starting quarterbacks are increasingly valuable, and one preseason injury can potentially derail an entire season. Teams also have much more information about established veterans, making extended preseason workloads less necessary.

Brady sees the issue differently. For him, preseason was another opportunity to sharpen his game, build timing with teammates and prepare for the regular season.

That philosophical difference highlights how much the NFL has changed. Brady’s generation often viewed preseason repetitions as essential preparation. Today’s stars and coaches are increasingly focused on minimizing injury risk and preserving their most important players.

Whether Brady’s old-school approach still makes sense in today’s NFL is debatable. But his message is unmistakable: if you’re a football player during football season, he believes there should be no shortcuts.

McCarthy has confirmed that Will Howard will start against the New York Jets, with rookie Drew Allar serving as the backup. The decision gives both young quarterbacks an extended opportunity to show what they can do in live-game action.

The biggest surprise is what will not happen. Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will both sit out, meaning the Steelers will use the preseason matchup to focus entirely on the development of their young quarterbacks.

Will Howard will start vs Jets

Will Howard will get the first-team opportunity against the New York Jets, while Drew Allar will enter the game behind him. McCarthy explained that the Steelers want to maximize the opportunities available to both young quarterbacks.

“We’re going to play the two young guys. That will be our focus. I think you understand they’re young. Will didn’t get to play last year. He was a first-year player. We have two veterans that we feel really good about with Aaron and Mason. I saw what I needed to see from Mason last week. I want to maximize the opportunities for Will and Drew.”

The decision is particularly important for Howard. The former college star did not play during his rookie season, so the Steelers have limited NFL tape to evaluate as they prepare for his second year.

Giving him the start against the Jets should provide Howard with an important opportunity to operate the offense against a live defense and demonstrate how much he has developed since joining Pittsburgh.

Allar will also receive meaningful snaps, giving the rookie another chance to show why the Steelers viewed him as a potential long-term piece when they selected him in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why aren’t Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph playing?

Aaron Rodgers will not play against the Jets, and neither will Rudolph. For Rodgers, the decision is not surprising. The veteran quarterback is firmly established as Pittsburgh’s QB1 and does not need an extensive preseason workload to prove his value to the team.

Rudolph’s absence is more interesting. After starting the Steelers’ preseason opener, the veteran quarterback apparently gave McCarthy enough information for the coaching staff to turn the attention toward Howard and Allar.

McCarthy’s comment that he “saw what I needed to see from Mason last week” suggests that Rudolph’s opportunity against the Jets was never the priority. The Steelers instead want to use the available reps to evaluate their younger quarterbacks.

What does this mean for the Steelers QB depth chart?

There is no real question about who will start the regular season: Aaron Rodgers remains the Steelers’ starting quarterback. The more intriguing battle is behind him.

Rudolph, Howard and Allar are competing for the roles that will determine the depth of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room and potentially shape the franchise’s future. Mason has the advantage to be QB2.

McCarthy’s decision sends a clear message about the purpose of Pittsburgh’s second preseason game: Rodgers and Rudolph have already shown the coaching staff enough. Now it is time to find out what the young quarterbacks can do.

“I’ll say this about Drew and really the whole room, their abilities physically fit in the offense… As we get into this spot in camp, we need to really hone in on specifically concepts… Drew can play through anything that we’ve asked him to do conceptually,” McCarthy said during his Sunday media availability.

Drew Allar is currently behind in the depth chart, although his talent could help him move up the rankings as the weeks go by. He will have to compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard to see if he can eventually earn a chance to become A-Rod’s primary backup.

How did Drew Allar perform against the Packers?

In his NFL preseason debut against the Green Bay Packers, Drew Allar delivered a standout performance to spark a 28-9 victory. Operating with high composure in Mike McCarthy’s offense, the third-round pick out of Penn State completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a explosive 74-yard catch-and-run to Kaden Wetjen.

Allar also showcased his dual-threat ability by adding a 3-yard rushing touchdown, capping off a flawless outing where he accounted for three total scores.

McCarthy needs options in his QB room

Drew Allar provides Mike McCarthy with the ideal insurance policy and developmental quarterback to stabilize Pittsburgh’s long-term signal-caller strategy. With Aaron Rodgers entering his age-42 season, managing the workload of a veteran quarterback becomes paramount, especially given the inherent risk of mid-season injuries or physical decline.

Rather than forcing McCarthy to scale down his playbook for a backup, Allar brings elite arm strength, a 6-foot-5 frame, and the processing power to digest McCarthy’s full West Coast offensive installation without dropping off conceptually.

His ability to step in immediately—demonstrated by his multi-touchdown preseason debut—ensures the offense remains functional if Rodgers misses time, while simultaneously positioning Allar as the clear quarterback of the future once Rodgers eventually retires.

“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.