“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.

How to watch Steelers vs Packers in the USA

The Steelers vs. Packers preseason game will be available on NFL Network, with The CW also carrying the matchup in select local markets. For streaming, viewers can watch the preseason matchup through NFL+, Fubo and ESPN Unlimited.

Can I watch Steelers vs Packers for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch the game with a 5-day free trial. It currently offers the game through its NFL Network coverage, and its official matchup page lists the Steelers-Packers broadcast as available to stream.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers preseason opener carries more weight than a typical exhibition game because of the storylines surrounding both quarterbacks.

Aaron Rodgers is set to face his former team after spending 18 seasons in Green Bay, while Jordan Love will once again line up against the veteran who preceded him as the Packers’ starter. The teams also met during the 2025 regular season, when Green Bay defeated Pittsburgh 35-25.

There is also a coaching connection at the center of the matchup. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy previously coached Rodgers in Green Bay, including during the Packers’ run to victory over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV.

On the other side, Packers coach Matt LaFleur plans to give his starters some preseason action, making the game an early opportunity to evaluate Jordan Love and the team’s new defensive system under coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

For Pittsburgh, the biggest question is whether Rodgers will actually play against the Packers today. The 42-year-old quarterback has not played in a preseason game since 2023 and has been reluctant to participate this year, although he has said he will play if McCarthy decides it is necessary. That uncertainty makes his potential reunion with Green Bay one of the main reasons to watch the Steelers’ preseason opener.

What time is the Steelers vs Packers match?

The Steelers vs. Packers game kicks off today, Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 PM ET at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

Jordan Love spoke on Tuesday and it seems like the QB will play vs Steelers even if it’s limited snaps. “Me and Matt [LaFleur] have talked, and I think the plan is to play some limited role this week and see how it goes going forward,” Love said.

LaFleur also stated that for him, it’s important that his players are always ready to roll. He said it’s important to be “mentally ready to go play a game, whether it’s one play, whether it’s three plays, 10 plays, the whole game.“

Love should be very cautious vs Steelers

Last year, Jordan Love played in preseason vs the New York Jets and it was not good. He suffered an injury on the ulnar collateral ligament of his thumb. Thankfully for him, it was on the left hand (non-throwing) and he was able to recover in time for a Week 1 appearance.

Still, those are the risks of playing your franchise quarterback in preseason. Love is aware of this. “The main thing is to stay healthy, obviously,” Love said. “Avoid taking hits. If you get into a scramble situation, definitely not take any hits outside the pocket, anything like that.”

Is Aaron Rodgers playing today vs Packers?

Aaron Rodgers sent a strong message to Mike McCarthy about what preseason football means to him. While it would be poetic to see McCarthy and Rodgers playing against the very team in which they won the Super Bowl together, it’s unlikely.

As for now, it’s been labeled as a game-time decision, but Rodgers is not one to play during preseason. The last time Rodgers played a preseason game was in 2023 when he was with the Jets. He played two offensive series, completing 5/8 passes for 47 yards and throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson.

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.

Mike McCarthy was hired as Pittsburgh’s new head coach for the 2026 season, beginning a new era for an organization that had been led by Tomlin since 2007. The transition comes with significant expectations, but Tomlin believes McCarthy is an ideal fit for the franchise.

The former Steelers coach also highlighted one of McCarthy’s biggest advantages: his history with Aaron Rodgers. The two previously won a Super Bowl together with the Green Bay Packers, and that shared experience could help McCarthy immediately establish credibility with Pittsburgh’s veteran quarterback.

Why does Mike Tomlin think Mike McCarthy is a perfect fit for Steelers?

Mike Tomlin believes the connection between McCarthy and Pittsburgh goes beyond his coaching resume. As a Pittsburgh native, McCarthy already understands the culture and expectations that come with coaching the Steelers.

“I know a little bit about the Steelers situation to say the least. Mike McCarthy is perfect for them and they’re perfect for Mike. Certainly being a Pittsburgh native, he understands the standard that is Pittsburgh. And he’ll embrace that. His coaching experience will also allow him to manage that.”

That familiarity with Pittsburgh could be particularly valuable during a transition season. McCarthy does not have to learn the organization’s expectations from scratch, and his experience leading an NFL team could help him handle the pressure that comes with replacing Tomlin.

Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers give Steelers continuity

Tomlin also pointed to McCarthy’s previous success with Rodgers as a major advantage. The two spent years together in Green Bay and reached the ultimate destination, giving McCarthy firsthand knowledge of what Rodgers can do when the offense is built around him.

“He’s got an awesome resume obviously. The confetti has rained down on him before with his current quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Man, there’s no substitute for shared success. Those waters run deep. He’s positioned to do well. Certainly, there are some challenges when you come into a new situation, but there’s a lot to like about continuity in this new experience for him.”

That continuity could become one of the defining factors of Pittsburgh’s 2026 season. McCarthy already knows Rodgers’ strengths, weaknesses and personality, while Rodgers enters the season with a familiar offensive mind leading the organization.

For the Steelers, the combination could provide a smoother transition than a typical coaching change. Tomlin’s endorsement suggests that, despite the pressure surrounding the franchise, McCarthy has several advantages that could help him succeed immediately in Pittsburgh.

Rodgers is firmly established as Pittsburgh’s QB1 heading into the 2026 season, but the battle for the backup job remains one of the more intriguing storylines of the team. Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar are also competing for opportunities, but McCarthy’s latest comments suggest Rudolph may have created some separation.

Speaking to SiriusXM NFL Radio, McCarthy said he has been impressed with what Rudolph has shown despite giving him limited reps. “Mason, we’ve been kinda putting him just on limited reps. I gave him a little more in the beginning, but I’ve been extremely impressed with him. So, I would be very confident playing with Mason. You know, I think you have to be realistic.”

Is Mason Rudolph winning the Steelers QB2 job?

Mason Rudolph has taken the lead for the QB2 job with the Steelers. Mike McCarthy’s comments went beyond simply praising Mason Rudolph’s performance.

The Steelers head coach appeared to suggest that the veteran has already established himself as someone Pittsburgh could trust if Aaron Rodgers is unavailable.

“You have to win games with your backup quarterback sometimes in this league. You know, he’s definitely established himself that way. And you don’t really know a guy from across the field until you get a chance to work with him. So, I’ve been very impressed with him.”

That is a significant endorsement considering the Steelers have two younger quarterbacks who are also competing for the job. Howard is entering his second NFL season, while Allar is a rookie trying to establish himself within Pittsburgh’s new offensive system.

Rudolph, meanwhile, already knows the organization and has NFL starting experience. That familiarity could become extremely valuable for McCarthy, particularly with a 42-year-old Rodgers leading the offense.

Steelers QB depth chart gets more intriguing

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently released their first depth chart of training camp, with Rodgers listed as the starter and Rudolph surprisingly ahead of Howard and Allar.

McCarthy’s latest comments could reinforce that decision. While the competition is not necessarily over, the coach’s confidence in Rudolph suggests that experience and reliability may be winning the battle for the QB2 role.

For Pittsburgh, having a trusted backup behind Rodgers could be crucial. The Steelers have championship ambitions in 2026, and if Rodgers were forced to miss time, McCarthy would need someone capable of keeping the offense competitive. Right now, Rudolph appears to be making a strong case that he is that player.

“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.”