Rodgers willing to play in preseason with Steelers if Tomlin decides

LATROBE, Pa. – Aaron Rodgers believes the revamped Pittsburgh Steelers offense is starting to come together. The experienced quarterback is even willing to show progress in Saturday’s preseason game against Jacksonville, if coach Mike Tomlin asks him to.

It’s an interesting conversation. I think Mike and I will have that conversation at some point. I don’t think it’s in the plan for me to play this week, but whatever Mike wants to do, I’m totally on board.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers, 41, last appeared in an exhibition game two years ago, during his first season with the New York Jets. Before that, the oldest active NFL player hadn’t stepped on the field in a non-counting game since 2018. The temporary absence of rookie quarterback Will Howard could complicate matters. The former Ohio State star is dealing with a hand injury and will be unavailable, leaving Rodgers, veteran Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson to split snaps against the Jaguars. Howard, whom Rodgers has actively taken under his wing since he signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in early June, hit his hand against a helmet in Tuesday’s practice.

It’s a shame for him, for sure, because he’s had a very good camp as a young player and then to see him in the minicamp and see his, you know, command of the offense. But this year is a year of growth for him. It’s a year to observe and learn and, obviously, improve. This should only be a small setback for him.

Aaron Rodgers

After being regularly dominated during the first 10 practices at Saint Vincent College, Rodgers believes he has seen some progress in recent days as he feels more comfortable in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system. Both spent several hours on Tuesday talking about the offensive philosophy beyond simple Xs and Os, and Rodgers said Smith wants the offense to be a collaborative process.

He’s not a rigid type at all, you know? So… the ideas that I have or the ideas that some of the receivers give me to give to him, everything is taken into account, which I appreciate very much.

Aaron Rodgers