Rodgers willing to play with Steelers in preseason if Tomlin needs him

LATROBE, Pa. – Aaron Rodgers, the experienced quarterback, perceives that the revamped Pittsburgh Steelers offense is beginning to consolidate. The quarterback is willing to show the offense’s progress in the preseason game against Jacksonville, if coach Mike Tomlin requests it.

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

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers, 41, last participated in an exhibition game two years ago, during his first season with the New York Jets. Before that, the NFL’s most veteran player hadn’t played in a non-counting game since 2018. The temporary absence of rookie Will Howard could complicate things. The former Ohio State star is dealing with a hand injury and will not be available, leaving Rodgers, veteran Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson to split snaps against the Jaguars. Tomlin communicated on Wednesday that Howard will be “week to week” due to a finger fracture, after hitting his hand against a helmet in Tuesday’s practice. Howard, who was wearing a splint on what appeared to be his pinky finger in Wednesday’s practice, is still exploring options, but the injury does not seem to require surgery.

“It’s a shame for him, for sure… because he’s had a really good camp as a young player and then to see him in minicamp and see his, you know, command of the offense,” Rodgers said, who has actively taken Howard under his wing since he signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in early June. “But this year is a growth year for him. It’s a year to watch and learn and, obviously, improve. This should just be a small setback for him.”

Aaron RodgersAfter 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 with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system. Both spent several hours on Tuesday talking about offensive philosophy beyond simple X’s and O’s, and Rodgers said Smith wants the offense to be a collaborative process.

“He’s not a rigid guy at all, you know?” Rodgers said. “So… the ideas I have or the ideas some of the receivers give me to give to him, everything is taken into account, which I really appreciate.”

Aaron Rodgers