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SOURCE STEELERS: Pittsburgh Steelers Shake Up Depth Chart Night Before Preseason Opener

The night before their preseason opener, head coach Mike Tomlin lit up the locker room with a last-minute shake-up to the depth chart — and Aaron Rodgers will also not play.

Mike Tomlin | Record, Age, NFL, Coach, & Facts | Britannica

Rodgers will sit out the preseason opener to stay fresh for the regular season. Mason Rudolph will lead the offense in the opening series, with Skylar Thompson in reserve. Rookie QB Will Howard remains sidelined due to a hand injury. On defense, veterans such as T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward will also rest, opening the door for younger players to get extended snaps.

Aaron Rodgers on whether this upcoming NFL season is his last: 'I'm pretty  sure this is it' | CNN

“Jobs aren’t given, they’re taken,” Tomlin emphasized. “If you want to be on the field, you have to take that opportunity yourself.”

Tomlin is using the preseason not only to preserve key starters but to push backups into the spotlight. The absence of Rodgers and other stars creates a clear stage for depth players to fight for roster spots.

Pittsburgh Steelers official depth chart.

This preseason marks a transitional phase for the Steelers’ quarterback room, and Tomlin’s depth chart shuffle underscores the team’s “earn it” mentality.

The team confirmed that the changes will affect only the first two series and are designed to both protect core starters and evaluate new talent under live-game conditions.

Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."