Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Discloses Plan For Starters In Second Preseason Game

Pittsburgh Steelers fans won’t see several stars in action this weekend.

The Steelers rested Aaron Rodgers and several other key starters in Saturday’s exhibition opener, a 31-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Thursday that he’ll take a similar approach to Sunday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tomlin said most of the players that he held out last weekend won’t play on Sunday either. That includes, but isn’t limited to, Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Patrick Queen and Jalen Ramsey.

However, Tomlin said he may give linebacker Nick Herbig some reps this time.

“Different guys, for a variety of reasons, need different amounts of work in an effort to be ready, and in an effort for us to evaluate their talent level or what they’re capable of,” Tomlin said. “Some of those veteran guys I mentioned have been doing it for a long time, and particularly at a high level.”

Despite his plan to rest starters, Tomlin anticipates a “more varsity” operation in Pittsburgh’s second preseason game. He hopes to see cleaner play and communication at home.

“We weren’t overly sloppy in some of those areas the last time, which is a good thing,” Tomlin said. “It’s just, there’s no substitute for in-stadium environments in terms of some of those things.”

Fans thus must wait longer to see Rodgers and other marquee offseason additions make their Steelers debut. Mason Rudolph and Syklar Thompson can instead receive more opportunities to impress after combining to complete 29 of 38 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns against Jacksonville.

Heyward’s planned absence is especially unsurprising, as the 36-year-old isn’t fully participating in practice while seeking a new contract.

Pittsburgh’s second preseason game kicks off Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.

More NFL: Mike Tomlin Hypes Steelers Defense As Potentially ‘Historic’ Unit