The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they’re facing a challenging situation with a number of key players sitting out. Notably, quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not be participating, along with at least 15 other starters. Rookie quarterback Will Howard will also miss the game due to a broken finger, leaving Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson to take the reins, with newly signed QB Logan Woodside potentially seeing action as well.
Despite the absence of several marquee names, there are opportunities for growth and evaluation. The offensive line, which has seen injuries and changes, is still set to feature core starters Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, and Broderick Jones. Coach Mike Tomlin highlighted the importance of evaluating these players in game action, emphasizing their growing chemistry and development. Fautanu, recovering from a knee injury, expressed his commitment to regaining trust in his abilities, while Jones is looking to make strides at left tackle after limited experience on that side.
The defensive line is also under the spotlight, with a chance to glimpse the future without veteran Cameron Heyward. Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, and Yahya Black are positioned to showcase their talents against the Jaguars’ first-team offense. Both Harmon and Black have made significant impressions during training camp, with Black’s ability to disrupt passing lanes noted as a valuable asset.
As the Steelers prepare for preseason action, there’s also a competitive atmosphere among the wide receivers. DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III are considered strong contenders for solidified spots, but a number of other receivers, including Roman Wilson and Robert Woods, are vying for limited roster spaces. Coach Tomlin has emphasized the importance of these players stepping up, particularly Wilson, who is showing improvement after a challenging previous season.
In this critical period of assessment, there’s a blend of hope and anticipation surrounding the Steelers. Young talents are poised to make their mark, and even without their stars, the team is presented with valuable opportunities for development ahead of the regular season. The preseason game against the Jaguars may serve as an important barometer for both individual player progress and team cohesion as they look to build a championship-caliber outfit.