Allar Dimes Wetjen: Steelers Preseason Spark Ignites
Steelers Rookies Shine in Preseason Opener: Allar to Wetjen for 74 Yards!
What Happened on Thursday Night?
On August 13, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their preseason against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. It was the first "real" game action of the year, and the rookie class made sure everyone noticed.
Important Point: This was just a preseason game — think of it like a practice match where teams test players before the real season starts. Stats don’t officially count, but the performance matters a lot!
The Star of the Show: Drew Allar
Who is Drew Allar?
- Position: Quarterback (the guy who throws the ball)
- Status: Rookie (first-year player)
- Drafted: 3rd round of the 2026 NFL Draft
- College: Penn State (big-time college program)
What Did He Do?
Allar didn’t start the game — Will Howard did. But when Allar entered in the second half, he immediately made an impact:
- First drive: Connected with fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen for a 74-yard catch-and-run
- Wetjen caught a short pass and raced down the field
- He was this close to scoring a touchdown!
- Next play: Allar scored his first NFL touchdown on a quarterback keeper (he ran it in himself from the goal line)
- Result: Steelers took a 14-9 lead over the Packers
The Dynamic Rookie Duo: Allar Wetjen
| Player | Position | Role in the Big Play |
|---|---|---|
| Drew Allar | Quarterback | Threw the perfect pass |
| Kaden Wetjen | Wide Receiver | Caught it, broke tackles, ran 74 yards! |
Fun Fact: Both players were drafted by the Steelers in 2026. They’re already building chemistry — like a brand-new video game duo unlocking a secret combo!
What About Will Howard?
- Started the game at quarterback
- Threw for 86 yards (decent, but not amazing)
- Did not throw a touchdown
- Now competing with Allar for the backup QB job behind the starter
Think of it like two kids trying out for the same spot on the team — only one can win the role, and every practice and game counts.
Why This Matters (Even in Preseason)
- Confidence booster for two rookies making their NFL debut
- Shows Allar can make big plays under pressure
- Wetjen proves he’s fast and elusive — hard to tackle!
- Gives coaches real game film to evaluate the QB battle
- Excites fans — the future looks bright in Pittsburgh!
Summary
In their first preseason game, the Steelers beat the Packers 14-9 thanks to a rookie-to-rookie connection. Drew Allar (QB) hit Kaden Wetjen (WR) for a 74-yard explosive play, then ran in a touchdown himself. Allar, a 3rd-round pick, is now pushing Will Howard for the backup quarterback spot. It was a small sample — but a very promising one for Pittsburgh’s future.
FAQ
Is this game part of the regular season?
No. It’s preseason — like a warm-up. The wins/losses don’t count in the standings, but player performances do matter for roster spots.
Who is the Steelers’ starting quarterback?
The article doesn’t say — but Allar and Howard are fighting for the backup job. That means there’s already a starter ahead of them (likely a veteran).
What’s a "quarterback keeper"?
It’s when the quarterback keeps the ball and runs it himself instead of handing it off or throwing. Allar did this for a short TD at the goal line.
Where can I watch the highlight?
The original article had an embedded X (Twitter) video of the play. Check @TheSteelersWire on X for the clip!
When is the next Steelers game?
The article doesn’t list the full schedule — but preseason continues weekly. Follow @TheSteelersWire on X or like their Facebook page for updates!