Aaron Rodgers has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers and quickly embraced a leadership role atop a still-young offense. After watching Skylar Thompson take a hard hit, Rodgers challenged the line to protect quarterbacks and playmakers, framing the o-line as the team’s policing unit and its big-brother voice on the field. The vow wasn’t punitive; it was a call for collective accountability that has sparked a wave of self-policing from the rookies to the vets. The dynamic shift is not about one man carrying a unit, but about a group learning to lead themselves while Rodgers guides with experience and example.

Rodgers, a 21-year NFL veteran, says leadership will come from the next wave of Steelers on offense. He pointed to Jaylen Warren, Connor Heyward, Dion—er, Broderick—Jones, and others like Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Cam Heyward as the players most likely to unlock a true train this season. If those youngsters tap into their power, the Steelers could transform from a promising, learning-on-the-fly unit into a special offense capable of finishing Rodgers’ Hall of Fame arc on a high note.

Tampa Bay will roll out starters in Saturday’s tune‑up against the Steelers, while Pittsburgh leans on reserves at the sport’s most critical positions. Aaron Rodgers, the marquee offseason addition for Pittsburgh, is slated to start but his preseason reps are unclear after sitting out Game 1. The Steelers face a deep backdrop of absences, with Lavonte David and Mike Evans sidelined for TB, and T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey, Jaylen Warren and Pat Freiermuth among the Steelers’ dozen+ listed as out or limited. Expect depth players to seize increased roles on both sides as these teams evaluate ahead of Week 1. Fantasy managers should watch Rodgers’ acclimation with a reshaped offense and identify which depth options might step up if top players remain sidelined.

Rodgers did not play in the first preseason game, a signal that Pittsburgh may lean on timing and scheme continuity in the early going rather than explosive rhythm. Tampa Bay’s approach of featuring starters amid injury doubt could pressure some reserve defenders, and the absence of Evans and David could elevate other pass‑catchers and backfield types in this matchup. In fantasy terms, the game becomes a laboratory for depth charts and role clarity, with sleepers emerging as the preseason unfolds while expectations for the headline stars are tempered by limited exposure.

Pittsburgh’s approach to the preseason remains unchanged: rest the bulk of the starters for a second straight week against Tampa Bay, with Nick Herbig the lone edge defender who could see action. The explicit list of DNPs includes Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Isaac Seumalo, Jaylen Warren, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, DeShon Elliott, Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Chris Boswell, underscoring a heavy emphasis on health and competition for depth roles. The plan signals a steady push to evaluate a crowded roster of newcomers and youth across both sides of the ball. Tomlin’s stance on preseason workload is not new, but the breadth of rest this year suggests a concerted effort to shield veterans while giving the youngsters real reps in meaningful situations.