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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.

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“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.

Steelers Work Out Saints Superstar 5× Pro Bowler & 2× All-Pro — Pending Medical Evaluation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – As the New Orleans Saints sink deeper with an 0-4 record through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, trade rumors surrounding star running back Alvin Kamara are heating up more than ever. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly showing “special” interest in the 30-year-old, with reports indicating they are preparing a major offer that includes arranging a medical evaluation to assess Kamara’s health before moving forward with a deal. This could be a huge boost for a Steelers offense lacking depth at running back due to injuries and Jaylen Warren’s inconsistent performance. The Saints are facing a full-blown crisis, from a porous defense to financial woes with a projected $21.8 million cap deficit in 2026. Kamara, still a central piece of their offense with his elite rushing and receiving skills, could be placed on the trade block in exchange for draft capital—likely a late-round pick or a pick swap. Analysts from FanSided and Steelers Wire highlight Pittsburgh as the “ideal destination” for Kamara, as he could immediately strengthen the Steelers’ backfield and help them contend for the AFC North crown while the Ravens and Bengals battle injuries. Kamara, who signed a contract extension with the Saints in 2024, has never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, but his versatility (hundreds of receiving yards annually) makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders. Under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers have become known for bold moves, and adding Kamara could be a strategic step to support QB Aaron Rodgers and capitalize on weakened divisional rivals. The Steelers’ “special” interest is underscored by their plans to conduct a thorough medical evaluation of Kamara—a standard step in blockbuster trades given his history of injuries, including groin and ankle issues from past seasons. If cleared, Kamara could quickly step in as the Steelers’ lead back and pair with Warren to form a powerful one-two punch. Sources from SI.com and Steelers Wire suggest the deal may only cost a late-round pick, making it very feasible before the trade deadline. However, Kamara has previously expressed his desire to remain with the Saints and even holds a no-trade clause. Still, the team’s disastrous situation could force a change. Other teams such as the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos have been mentioned, but the Steelers stand out due to their urgent need and track record of pursuing AFC stars. If the deal goes through, the Steelers could strengthen their Super Bowl push with a bolstered offense, while the Saints would gain draft capital to aid their rebuild. Fans on X (Twitter) are buzzing with “blockbuster” trade proposals involving other names like WR Chris Olave, but Kamara remains the most talked-about piece. All eyes are now on the medical evaluation—whether it seals the deal or not, this could become one of the hottest trades of the 2025 season.