11
McCarthy Shocks NFL: Wants Rodgers in Steelers Preseason
Aaron Rodgers Might Play in Preseason Games for the Steelers: What You Need to Know
The Big News: A Reunion on the Field
Imagine your favorite teacher from elementary school becoming your boss at your new job. That’s kind of what’s happening with Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy!
- Aaron Rodgers is a 42-year-old superstar quarterback (the player who throws the football)
- Mike McCarthy is his new head coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers
- They worked together for 13 years in Green Bay (2006-2018)
- Now they’re reunited in Pittsburgh, and McCarthy wants Rodgers to play in preseason games
Important Point: Rodgers hasn’t played meaningful preseason football since 2018 — that’s 8 years ago!
Why This Is a Big Deal
The Preseason Plan
Mike McCarthy has asked Rodgers to play in the Steelers’ first two preseason games:
| Game | Opponent | Special Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Preseason Game 1 | Green Bay Packers | Rodgers’ team for 18 years (2005-2022) |
| Preseason Game 2 | New York Jets | Rodgers’ team for 2023 season |
How Much Would He Play?
- McCarthy wants Rodgers out there for 30 to 40 plays (that’s like 2-3 quarters of football)
- Rodgers said: "If you want me to play, I’ll play. I’m not saying I want to do it. But if he wants me to, I will."
- This shows trust and respect between the two
What the Coach Is Really Saying
McCarthy gave a more careful answer on Monday. Here’s what he means in simple terms:
Coach Talk Translation:
- "Those decisions are really gonna be made once we get up to it" = We’ll decide closer to game time
- "We have plans, but being a healthy system, let’s see what happens" = We have ideas, but player health comes first
- "There’s more that goes into that than having one player play" = It’s not just about Rodgers — it affects the whole team
The Key Takeaway
Both men WANT this to happen, but they’re being smart about it:
- Rodgers would like to play
- McCarthy would like to see him play
- Final decision comes later based on health and team needs
Why Preseason Games Matter (ELI5 Version)
Think of preseason games like practice tests before the real exam:
- Knock off the rust — Even legends need real game speed
- Build chemistry — Rodgers needs to practice with his NEW teammates
- Test the playbook — See if the plays work against real opponents
- Stay healthy — The #1 goal is getting to the regular season in one piece
The Story Behind the Reunion
The Green Bay Years (2006-2018)
- McCarthy drafted Rodgers in 2005
- They won Super Bowl XLV together (2010 season)
- Made the playoffs 9 times in 13 years
- Ended with a messy breakup in 2018
The Time Apart
- Rodgers: Stayed in Green Bay (2019-2022) → Traded to Jets (2023) → Signed with Steelers (2024)
- McCarthy: Fired by Packers (2018) → Hired by Cowboys (2020-2023) → Hired by Steelers (2024)
Now: Second Chance Together
Both are in the "twilight of their careers" (fancy words for "getting near the end") and want one more shot at a championship.
What Happens Next? (Step by Step)
- Training Camp Continues — Rodgers practices with the team daily
- Health Check — Doctors and trainers monitor how his body feels
- Game Week Prep — Coaches finalize plans for each preseason game
- Final Decision — Made days before each game based on:
- Rodgers’ health
- How the offense looks in practice
- What the team needs to work on
- Game Day — If he plays, expect 30-40 snaps maximum
Summary
- Aaron Rodgers (42) and Mike McCarthy are reunited with the Pittsburgh Steelers after 13 years together in Green Bay
- McCarthy has asked Rodgers to play in the first two preseason games — against his two former teams (Packers and Jets)
- Rodgers is willing to play 30-40 snaps if the coach wants him to
- McCarthy says the final decision will wait until closer to game time, prioritizing health and team needs
- This would be Rodgers’ first significant preseason action since 2018
- Both want it to happen, but they’re being smart and careful
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Why hasn’t Rodgers played preseason games since 2018?
Veteran quarterbacks often skip preseason to avoid injury risk. At 42, Rodgers is extra careful with his body. He’s earned the right to say "no" — but he’s choosing to say "yes" for his old coach.
Is playing 30-40 plays a lot for preseason?
Yes! Most starters play 10-20 plays max in preseason. 30-40 is basically a half of football. This shows McCarthy really wants to see the offense run at game speed.
What if Rodgers gets hurt in a meaningless preseason game?
That’s the biggest risk and why McCarthy is hesitant to commit. The Steelers have backup QBs (Justin Fields, Kyle Allen), but losing Rodgers would derail their season hopes.
Why are the Packers and Jets the first two opponents?
Pure coincidence! The NFL makes the schedule months in advance. But it makes for great TV — Rodgers facing his two former teams in his first preseason action in 8 years.
Does this mean Rodgers is definitely the Week 1 starter?
Almost certainly yes. Whether he plays in preseason or not, Rodgers signed to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback. These games are just preparation.
Want to follow the story? The Steelers’ first preseason game against the Packers is coming up soon — keep an eye on the injury reports and coach’s press conferences for the final verdict!
