The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers will face off in their preseason opener on Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium, with key questions remaining about Aaron Rodgers' participation under new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy confirmed on Tuesday that no final decision has been made regarding whether the 42-year-old quarterback will play in the game. "Definitely, it comes down to my decision, but we've been talking about playing or not playing since he signed," McCarthy stated via the team's official website. Rodgers, entering his 22nd NFL season, has yet to miss a training camp practice this year.
The matchup marks a reunion for McCarthy and Rodgers, who won a Super Bowl together with the Packers in 2010. The Steelers, now under McCarthy's leadership after Mike Tomlin's 19-season tenure, are banking on Rodgers' veteran presence to elevate the team's competitiveness. "It's outstanding for the football team, because there's a level of competitiveness that goes with having veteran quarterbacks who go every single day," McCarthy noted. "He sets the standard for that practice. That 2-minute drill is different when he's in there."
Green Bay’s Jordan Love to Play Preseason Opener
Meanwhile, the Packers have confirmed that starting quarterback Jordan Love will play in the preseason opener, though his snaps may be limited. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur emphasized the value of game preparation, stating, "It's pretty fluid in regards to how many snaps. But I do think there's a lot of value for all our guys to get mentally prepared to go play a game."
The preseason game serves as the first live competition for both teams ahead of the regular season. For Green Bay, Love’s participation provides an early look at the offense’s cohesion following offseason changes, including the loss of receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. The Packers, positioned in a competitive division, aim to build on Love’s 2023 performance, which included a 66.3% completion rate and just six interceptions.
Steelers’ Offseason Adjustments Under McCarthy
The Steelers’ transition to McCarthy comes after a 2023 season marked by inconsistency, despite Rodgers’ midseason arrival. The team finished with a 9-8 record and secured a playoff berth, but struggles included losses to teams led by Joe Burrow and Shedeur Sanders, as well as a late-season win over the Ravens that kept their postseason hopes alive. McCarthy, with a career record of 174-112, inherits a roster that had consistently reached double-digit wins under Tomlin but now faces new expectations.
Offseason additions for Pittsburgh include Michael Pittman Jr. and Jermaine Burton to bolster the receiving corps, as well as cornerback Jamel Dean. The team’s preseason opener against the Packers will offer an early glimpse into how McCarthy’s system integrates with Rodgers and the rest of the roster.
Preseason Dynamics and Fan Engagement
Preseason games typically feature limited snaps for starters, but they provide critical preparation for both teams. For the Packers, the game against their former coach and quarterback adds a layer of narrative, while the Steelers aim to showcase progress under McCarthy’s leadership. The matchup also serves as a reminder of the enduring connections between franchises, players, and coaches in the NFL.