Steelers-Panthers finale: What to know for Thursday night’s preseason closer
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers meet on Thursday night in the last NFL preseason game of the year. It serves as a final tune-up for Pittsburgh before a regular-season opener trip to New York to face the Jets on Sunday, Sept. 7.
How to watch
– In the Pittsburgh market, tune into KDKA-TV. Those outside the area can stream the game via NFL+.
– Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. with Steelers Kickoff, and the game kicks off at 7:00 p.m.
– After the final whistle, KDKA will air postgame coverage with The Extra Point and a special edition of Nightly Sports Call, followed by the KDKA News at Eleven.
– Radio broadcasts will be on WDVE 102.5 FM and WBGG 970 AM in the Pittsburgh area, with worldwide access via the Steelers Nation Radio network.
Rodgers not slated to play
Several key Steelers players could see action Thursday, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that everyone on the roster has a chance to play this week, with the exceptions of Rodgers, DK Metcalf, T.J. Watt, and Cameron Heyward. Rodgers, 41, signed with Pittsburgh this offseason and has yet to appear in any preseason action. Tomlin stressed he’s comfortable with what he’s seeing in practice and would not gamble with Rodgers’ health if it isn’t necessary.
What happened in the first two preseason games
The Steelers opened the slate with a 31-25 road win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, a performance highlighted by Mason Rudolph’s big night: 29 of 38 passing for 317 yards and four touchdowns. In the second game, Pittsburgh hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and fell 17-14. Rudolph started again and went 3 of 5 for 46 yards with a touchdown, while backup Skylar Thompson completed 10 of 15 passes for 113 yards.
What to watch for Thursday night
– Quarterback depth: With Rodgers not playing, Thursday is another chance for Rudolph and Thompson to demonstrate consistency and command, helping the Steelers decide their Week 1 backup plan.
– Pacing into regular season: This game is the final audition for several veterans and youngsters as the roster trims down. Coaches will be evaluating who can contribute behind the usual starters.
– Avoiding injuries: The coaching staff will be mindful of player health as they wrap up the preseason schedule and prepare for the trip to face the Jets.
A hopeful note
Thursday’s game offers Pittsburgh a final opportunity to build chemistry, tighten up execution, and generate momentum heading into the regular season. If the Steelers deliver another strong effort, it could provide a welcome confidence boost as they shift focus to Week 1 in New York.
Summary
The Steelers’ preseason finale against the Panthers serves as a critical last tune-up before Week 1. With Rodgers not in action and the coaching staff weighing depth behind the obvious starters, the result could influence roster decisions and formation tweaks for the regular season. Fans should expect competitive action from the depth chart and a clear sense of Pittsburgh’s next steps heading into the Jets game.
Additional context for readers
– If you’re preparing for the game at home, have your streaming device ready for NFL+, and tune in to KDKA-TV in the Pittsburgh market for the full pregame and game coverage.
– For radio listeners, the Steelers Nation Radio network and local stations will provide comprehensive play-by-play and postgame analysis.