Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt, and most other Steelers stars will skip preseason meeting with Tampa Bay

By Canadian Press on August 14, 2025.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin is in no rush to see Aaron Rodgers in a game situation.

The NFL’s oldest player is going to sit out Pittsburgh’s meeting with Tampa Bay, meaning the four-time MVP most likely won’t make his official debut with the Steelers until the season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 7.

While Tomlin declined to officially rule out Rodgers for Pittsburgh’s preseason finale with Carolina on Aug. 21, the NFL’s longest tenured coach has rarely made starters available for the final exhibition game.

Star outside linebacker T.J. Watt, wide receiver DK Metcalf, defensive back Jalen Ramsey and tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth also will sit out for a second straight week. Linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive end Cam Heyward — who is “holding in” amid a contract dispute — also will get the day off.

“Some of those veteran guys I mentioned have been doing it for a long time and particularly at a high level,” Tomlin said. “Coupled with the fact that I’ve liked what I’ve seen from them in a practice setting, is the reason why sometimes I move that collective out of the way.”

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The Associated Press