Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed on Thursday that he expects participation for the Steelers’ second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be similar to last week.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, running back Jaylen Warren, left guard Isaac Seumalo, tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, outside linebacker T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, defensive tackle Cam Heyward, linebacker Patrick Queen, cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. and strong safety. DeShon Elliott. Tomlin said outside linebacker Nick Herbig could receive playing time depending on his work in the joint practice on Thursday.
Tomlin said he hasn’t ruled anyone that’s injured out at this point. “We’ll make those decisions at the 11th hour.”
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen doesn’t mind sitting out on Saturday night.
“I don’t care. If they tell me to play, I’ll play. If not, I’m definitely not tripping,” he said.
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is also not worried about not being prepared for the New York Jets in Week 1, especially after their joint practice with the Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday.
“We are practicing against (Tampa’s) ones. We have a lot of reps versus our ones, and we have probably the best defense in the NFL. It’s obviously very valuable, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work,” Freiermuth said when asked how the offense can simulate a live game experience without playing in the preseason.
“We’re trusting Coach [Tomlin]. He has a plan. Always going to listen to Coach T and he knows what’s best. He always has and always will. We’re excited to go with the plan that he has. I think people are just looking too much into if we’re playing or not. We’ll be fine.”
Tomlin revealed in an interview with the team’s website last Saturday that Rodgers might not play at all this preseason. Asked about coaches that don’t play their quarterbacks in the preseason, Tomlin said, “you might be looking at one.”
“This guy has been doing this for 21 years,” Tomlin said. “His cumulative snap total and what’s required for him to be ready is different than others. And so if I’m not adaptable and open to adjustments relative to the needs of our guys, then I’m not doing my job. And so you might be looking at one of those coaches in 2025.”
He’s not willing to commit to plan of action for the third week of the preseason just yet, though.
“Again, I will deal with next week next week. Nice try,” Tomlin said when asked if Rodgers will play in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Starters Not Sweating Lack of Preseason Reps
