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Why is Aaron Rodgers not playing today vs Packers? Did he retire? Steelers QB's 2026 NFL status explained
Aaron Rodgers is sitting out against Green Bay, with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar handling quarterback duties.
Aaron Rodgers will not play for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Green Bay Packers in Thursday night’s preseason game. The 42-year-old quarterback is in street clothes on the sideline, while Mason Rudolph is expected to start. Will Howard is set to take over during the first half, with rookie Drew Allar expected to play after halftime. Rodgers has not ruled out playing later in the preseason, with the Steelers potentially using him against the New York Jets on August 21. His decision comes as Rodgers has made clear that he does not see much value in preseason snaps for an experienced quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers explains why he is skipping Packers preseason game
Rodgers has questioned how much preseason football can teach veteran players before the regular season begins. Speaking to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he said he is not against playing but does not see it as essential.
"It's preseason," Rodgers said. "It's not real football. So if I do, great. If not, great."
Rodgers also explained why he thinks preseason games are different from earlier in his career. He said teams now show less of their plans during these games, making the action less useful for established players.
Also Read: Steelers' Aaron Rodgers wishes Thursday's preseason game with Packers could take place in Green Bay
"Preseason's a lot different. Teams don't run anything anymore. They just really don’t,” Rodgers continued. “Even joint practices. The first year we were doing them, it was fun because you got to play a team that wasn't going to play how they played in the preseason. They were going to show you a lot of different things they were working on. It was like a real day at camp.
But as that got on, it just stopped being like that. It just turned into fights, and nobody showed anything. I think those are a waste of a day. I think preseason football is good to see guys with the pads on, under the lights, how they react to the nerves. But it's not real regular season football.”
Mason Rudolph, Will Howard set to play for Steelers
With Rodgers sitting out, Mason Rudolph is expected to get the first chance at quarterback. According to the 102.5 WDVE pregame show, Will Howard will replace him during the first half.
Howard missed the 2025 preseason because of a hand injury, while Drew Allar is expected to handle the second half against Green Bay.
The game gives the Steelers a chance to look at their other quarterbacks while Rodgers watches from the sideline.
When could Aaron Rodgers play for Pittsburgh Steelers?
Rodgers is still expected to appear during the preseason. His next possible game could come on August 21, when the Steelers are scheduled to face the New York Jets, another of his former teams.
Meanwhile, Jordan Love is starting for the Packers against Pittsburgh. The matchup is expected to be Rodgers’ final meeting with Green Bay, the team that selected him in the 2005 NFL Draft.
