Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and outside linebacker T.J. Watt are among the players who will sit out the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener against the host Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night.
Rodgers had expressed a willingness to play in the contest but head coach Mike Tomlin decided his services weren’t needed.
Watt and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward are among the defensive players who won’t suit up. Offseason acquisition DK Metcalf, a receiver, also won’t play.
“It has nothing to do with injury,” Tomlin said on Thursday. “They need less runway to take off, to be quite honest with you, because of their experience and where they are in their careers. Oftentimes, I preserve them through this process while providing more opportunity for those that need more preparation, or more opportunity to display their talents and so forth.”
With Rodgers sitting out and rookie Will Howard breaking a finger on Tuesday, the majority of the quarterback duties will be split by Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Pittsburgh also signed journeyman Logan Woodside on Thursday, and Tomlin said he could possibly see action.
Howard is expected to avoid undergoing surgery on the finger.
Rodgers said he felt bad for Howard, a sixth-round pick who helped lead Ohio State to last season’s national championship.
“It (stinks) for him for sure … because he’s had such a nice camp as a young player and then watching him in minicamp and just seeing his, you know, command of the offense,” said Rodgers, who has been mentoring the youngster.
“But this year is a growth year for him. It’s a year to watch and learn and obviously better himself. This (should) just be a minor setback for him.”
Meanwhile, the 36-year-old Heyward is wanting his contract restructured after the recent rise in defensive player salaries. For example, Watt recently became the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL history with a three-year, $123 million salary ($41 million annual average salary).
Heyward, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is beginning a two-year, $29 million extension this season. He’s entering his 15th NFL season, all with Pittsburgh.
–Field Level Media
