Not yet: Tomlin will sit Rodgers, Watt vs. Bucs Saturday
Pittsburgh Steelers preseason
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PITTSBURGH -- Mike Tomlin is in no rush to see Aaron Rodgers in a game situation.
The NFL's oldest player is going to sit out Pittsburgh's meeting with Tampa Bay, meaning the four-time MVP most likely won't make his official debut with the Steelers until the season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 7.
While Tomlin declined to officially rule out Rodgers for Pittsburgh's preseason finale with Carolina on Aug. 21, the NFL's longest tenured coach has rarely made starters available for the final exhibition game.
Star outside linebacker T.J. Watt, wide receiver DK Metcalf, defensive back Jalen Ramsey and tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth also will sit out for a second straight week. Linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive end Cam Heyward -- who is "holding in" amid a contract dispute -- also will get the day off.
"Some of those veteran guys I mentioned have been doing it for a long time and particularly at a high level," Tomlin said. "Coupled with the fact that I've liked what I've seen from them in a practice setting, is the reason why sometimes I move that collective out of the way."
Tomlin did leave the door open for injured players to make appearances. He stated that the team would make all final decisions as close to game time on Saturday as possible, but wouldn't confirm if players like Calvin Austin III are in or out for the contest.
He also named backup offensive lineman Ryan McCollum as a player who has been upgraded to limited participant and could play in his first preseason action if the next two days progress well.
Quarterback Skylar Thompson will get another chunk of playing time, too.