Steelers Training Camp Gives Way to First Preseason Test

The change also comes at a point when the Steelers are beginning to make some important evaluations. Thursday’s preseason opener will provide opportunities for younger players and those fighting for roster spots to separate themselves from the pack.

Broderick Jones trade rumors surface

One of the more expected storylines to emerge ahead of the preseason opener involves offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Jones has found himself mentioned in trade speculation, adding another layer of intrigue to an offensive line that already has several moving pieces entering the preseason.

Whether the speculation ultimately leads anywhere remains to be seen. However, Jones’ name surfacing at this stage of the summer is notable as Pittsburgh continues evaluating its offensive line and determining how all of the pieces fit together.

Thursday’s preseason game could provide some clarity, particularly as the Steelers determine which combinations give them the best five linemen heading toward the regular season. It could also be an audition “on tape” for teams who are interested in Jones’ services.

Aaron Rodgers likes what he’s seeing

There’s debate about whether or not Aaron Rodgers will take the field Thursday. Hemay not need preseason snaps to prove much at this point in his career, but his presence throughout training camp has been important as the Steelers install their offense.

More importantly, Rodgers has noticed the progress around him.

The veteran quarterback has spoken positively about the growth he’s seen during camp, an encouraging development as Pittsburgh prepares to transition from practices against teammates to facing an actual opponent.

Rodgers is highly unlikely to see significant action, if any, against Green Bay. That won’t make the quarterback position any less interesting Thursday night…

All eyes turn to the backup quarterbacks

With Rodgers unlikely to play much in the preseason opener, the spotlight should shift toward Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar.

The competition to determine who sits behind Rodgers remains one of the most interesting battles on the roster. Howard enters his second season after spending his rookie year developing within the organization. However, Howard missed all of the preseason in 2025, while Allar arrives as a third-round pick.

Training camp reps matter, but preseason games offer a different evaluation, as this will be the first time we see both quarterbacks finally get an opportunity to operate the offense while dealing with live pressure, unfamiliar defensive looks, game situations, and teammates fighting for jobs around them.

Mason Rudolph has also had a strong camp, and with the benefit of a fresh start under the Steelers’ new coaching staff, he could be pushing to keep the top job behind Rodgers: Thursday could provide the first meaningful indication of where that competition stands.

Roster battles enter a new phase

Quarterback isn’t the only position worth watching. The first preseason game traditionally provides the biggest opportunity for players sitting near the bottom of the depth chart. Established starters may receive limited work or remain on the sideline altogether, leaving extended snaps for rookies, younger players, and veterans attempting to secure roster spots.

For Pittsburgh, that means several weeks of camp observations will finally have something new to measure against.

Players who have generated buzz in Latrobe, such as veteran tight end Robert Tonyan, now have to carry that momentum into Acrisure Stadium. Others who have previously struggled, like Roman Wilson or Kaleb Johnson, still have time to change the conversation once the games begin.

That’s what makes the preseason opener important even when the final score isn’t.

The first checkpoint arrives Thursday

While training camp offers hints, preseason games start providing answers to our questions.

The Steelers aren’t going to settle every roster battle against Green Bay, nor should anyone expect the finished product to take the field Thursday night. The opener represents the first checkpoint in a much larger evaluation process.

Still, after weeks of practices, speculation and competition, Pittsburgh finally gets to see how its new-look roster responds when someone wearing a different jersey lines up across from them.

And for several Steelers fighting for their place on the 53-man roster, Thursday night could be their first real opportunity to make their case.