Should the Steelers play their starters in the preseason?

Every August, NFL head coaches face a familiar dilemma: risk injury by playing starters in preseason games, or risk sluggish starts by keeping them on the sidelines? The debate has only intensified in recent years, as teams weigh the value of live reps against the cost of potential setbacks.

An adjustment from a four-game preseason to a three-game slate has also impacted the way teams think and operate. Here’s a look at both sides of the “play or not” argument—and where a middle ground might lie.

The case for playing starters

One of the strongest arguments for giving starters preseason snaps is the need for game-speed reps. After months of offseason training and walkthroughs, live action helps players recalibrate to the pace and physicality of real competition.

Preseason games offer a valuable opportunity to build chemistry, especially for teams with new quarterbacks, offensive coordinators, or revamped offensive lines. Timing and cohesion are difficult to simulate in practice, and even a few series in a live game can accelerate that process.

Coaches like Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans have emphasized the importance of avoiding slow starts in Week 1 by getting key players on the field early. Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has stated his starters will play significant time in the preseason in an attempt to avoid his team’s recent slow starts.

For younger starters or players in tight position battles, preseason reps can be a proving ground. Coaches get to see how they perform under pressure, and players get a chance to solidify their roles before the regular season begins.

The case for sitting starters

On the other side of the debate is the ever-present risk of injury. Losing a star player in a game that doesn’t count can derail a team’s season before it begins. That’s why teams like the Eagles, Bills, and Chiefs often opt to keep their starters on the bench throughout the preseason.

Mike Tomlin has been on both sides of this conversation in the past, sitting and playing starters. He famously had both sides of the ball play a full half against the Detroit Lions in 2022, and opted to play the first-team offense for several series in all three exhibition games in 2023.

In recent years, joint practices have emerged as a safer alternative. These controlled environments allow teams to simulate game conditions without exposing players to the unpredictability of live tackling. As a result, many coaches now prioritize these sessions over preseason games.

New starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers was quoted with saying much of the same following Wednesday’s practice:

Yes, I believe so. Most of the joint practices, I would say you’re not going to play that team in the regular season, so, they’re less worried about showing things that they want to work on. Even though there usually are cameras there and it’s filmed, they’re less skittish about running the stuff they’ve been running all camp that they’re going to try and do in the regular season against another team they’re not going to play in the regular season. I found those beneficial as long as there’s not a lot of fights, I think they’re a good workdayfor the first team.

There’s also the matter of roster evaluation. Preseason games are critical for assessing fringe players and finalizing the 53-man roster. With limited snaps to go around, coaches often prefer to use them on players who are fighting for a spot rather than those who already have one.

A middle ground approach

Some teams have adopted a hybrid strategy, giving starters limited snaps—perhaps a drive or two in one preseason game—before shutting them down. This approach offers a taste of game speed without overexposure.

Others tailor their decisions based on position. Quarterbacks and wide receivers might play to build timing, while veteran linemen or defensive stars sit out entirely. It’s a flexible model that balances readiness with caution.

Tomlin has often approached the preseason by sitting the highest-paid stars, such as Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt, in order to avoid any potential injury risks. The head coach understands that these veteran players won’t benefit from the increased playing time in meaningless games.

Final thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision to play starters in the preseason depends on a team’s roster makeup, coaching philosophy, and injury history. Aggressive strategies like those used by the Titans and Bengals may pay off in early-season sharpness, while cautious approaches like the Chiefs prioritize long-term health.

The Steelers lie somewhere in-between, with rookies and players battling to make the 53-man roster being the likely candidates to see the most playing time in the preseason.

Ultimately, the best approach may be the one that adapts to a team’s specific needs—and evolves as the season approaches.