The Pittsburgh Steelers will not have quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the lineup for their second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.

Why it matters: The decision to hold out Rodgers, alongside other veterans, reflects the Steelers' cautious approach as they prepare for the regular season.

• With 21 years of NFL experience, Rodgers’ preparation needs differ significantly from those of younger players, allowing the team to prioritize his health over preseason performance.

What’s new: Tomlin confirmed that the same players held out in the first preseason game against the Jaguars—including DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, T.J. Watt, and Cam Heyward—will also be absent this week.

• Mason Rudolph started the first game but was replaced by Skylar Thompson, who played most of the contest. Logan Woodside took over briefly in the fourth quarter.

The bottom line: This strategy indicates a commitment to ensuring key players are healthy and ready for the rigors of the regular season rather than risking injury in exhibition matches.

• Tomlin emphasized, “If I’m not adaptable and open to adjustments relative to the needs of our guys, then I’m not doing my job,” highlighting the tailored training regimen for seasoned players like Rodgers.

What to watch: Fans and analysts should keep an eye on Nick Herbig, the third-year edge rusher who may see action in the upcoming game based on practice performance.

• His involvement could provide valuable depth to the defense as they look to establish a strong rotation ahead of the season.

Yes, but: While holding out star players can be seen as prudent, it raises questions about game readiness as the preseason unfolds.

• Tomlin’s decision not to play Rodgers at all during the preseason has sparked discussion regarding the balance between rest and preparation for high-caliber athletes.

Zoom out: The Steelers strategy emphasizes a broader trend in the NFL where franchises are increasingly aware of managing player workloads to prevent injuries, especially with established quarterbacks like Rodgers.

• As teams adapt to the evolving landscape of player health and performance management, strategies such as these will likely become more common in the league.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will not have quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the lineup for their second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.

Why it matters: The decision to hold out Rodgers, alongside other veterans, reflects the Steelers' cautious approach as they prepare for the regular season.

• With 21 years of NFL experience, Rodgers’ preparation needs differ significantly from those of younger players, allowing the team to prioritize his health over preseason performance.

What’s new: Tomlin confirmed that the same players held out in the first preseason game against the Jaguars—including DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, T.J. Watt, and Cam Heyward—will also be absent this week.

• Mason Rudolph started the first game but was replaced by Skylar Thompson, who played most of the contest. Logan Woodside took over briefly in the fourth quarter.

The bottom line: This strategy indicates a commitment to ensuring key players are healthy and ready for the rigors of the regular season rather than risking injury in exhibition matches.

• Tomlin emphasized, “If I’m not adaptable and open to adjustments relative to the needs of our guys, then I’m not doing my job,” highlighting the tailored training regimen for seasoned players like Rodgers.

What to watch: Fans and analysts should keep an eye on Nick Herbig, the third-year edge rusher who may see action in the upcoming game based on practice performance.

• His involvement could provide valuable depth to the defense as they look to establish a strong rotation ahead of the season.

Yes, but: While holding out star players can be seen as prudent, it raises questions about game readiness as the preseason unfolds.

• Tomlin’s decision not to play Rodgers at all during the preseason has sparked discussion regarding the balance between rest and preparation for high-caliber athletes.

Zoom out: The Steelers strategy emphasizes a broader trend in the NFL where franchises are increasingly aware of managing player workloads to prevent injuries, especially with established quarterbacks like Rodgers.

• As teams adapt to the evolving landscape of player health and performance management, strategies such as these will likely become more common in the league.