Aaron Rodgers Drops Surprising Hint: Could He Actually Suit Up for Preseason Debut?

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has a history of playing starters in the preseason.

With rookie Will Howard currently sidelined by a hand injury, Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the other quarterbacks available to play against the Jaguars this weekend.“It’s an interesting conversation,” Rodgers said Wednesday, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “I think Mike and I have that 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 fully on board.”Mike Tomlin’s no stranger to shaking up the preseason script by letting his starters hit the field early — it’s almost like a trademark of his coaching playbook. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, now at 41 and deep into the twilight of his distinguished career, has rarely stepped onto the gridiron in August games. Yet, during a recent chat with reporters, Rodgers revealed he’s actually open to suiting up for Pittsburgh’s preseason kickoff against Jacksonville if that’s what the playbook calls for. “It’s an interesting conversation,” Rodgers shared, acknowledging ongoing talks with Tomlin and stressing his readiness to roll with whatever’s decided, even if this week’s game isn’t in the cards for him. Considering Rodgers only dusted off his preseason cleats last year with the Jets—and that was a first since 2018—this openness marks a notable shift. Add to the mix the rookie Will Howard sidelined by a hand injury, which leaves Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as the other gunslingers likely to see action this weekend. The unfolding chess match between veteran savvy and team strategy promises to make Pittsburgh’s preseason opener one to watch. LEARN MOREAt this stage of his career, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t often played in August. Rodgers appeared in a preseason game with the Jets back in 2023. But that was his first time playing in an exhibition matchup since 2018.But the 41-year-old quarterback told reporters on Wednesday that he’s just fine with making an appearance in Pittsburgh’s preseason opener against Jacksonville if that’s what’s required.