Steelers Preseason Week 1 Preview: Rodgers’ Status & Rookie Breakouts vs. Jaguars
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to open their 2025 preseason on Saturday, August 9, at 7 p.m. ET against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. With much of the regular season still ahead, this game is a first look at a completely revamped Steelers roster and a glimpse of potential as the team builds toward their September 7 regular-season opener against the New York Jets.
Despite typically sitting out preseason games, Aaron Rodgers has voiced his willingness to play in Week 1 of the preseason if head coach Mike Tomlin asks, per Reuters. A recent viral clip of Rodgers struggling in training camp drills has raised the question of whether Rodgers can compete at a high level, though there are promising signs that the offense has begun to outpace the defense, per Talksport. With rookie QB Will Howard sidelined due to a fractured hand, expected to have him out for at least three weeks, Rodgers and Mason Rudolph are likely to see more snaps in Saturday's preseason opener, with Skylar Thompson also seeing the field.
With key veterans like Rodgers, T.J. Watt, and Cam Heyward potentially sitting out or limited, the preseason opener could spotlight emerging talent. Here are your top 5 players to watch according to Behind the Steel Curtain.
Kaleb Johnson (RB) - Powerful downhill runner with excellent pass protection skills; Johnson has impressed coaches with his physicality and vision during team drills.
Roman Wilson (WR) - Fully healthy after sitting out last year and electric when bursting off the line, Wilson is earning more first-team reps while showcasing elite and redefined route-running.
Yahya Black (DL) - Black has dominated camp with consistent backfield penetration and strength at the point of attack; a sleeper to make the rotation with the loss of veteran defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi in Free Agency.
Sebastian Castro (S) - Instinctive and aggressive, Castro is always around the ball. He’s made key plays in coverage and is highly talented when providing run support. After trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey with the Miami Dolphins, don't be surprised if you see Castro getting a plethora of playtime come the regular season.
Roc Taylor (WR) - Big-bodied target with deceptive speed and body control, looking to see if Taylor can be what they had initially wanted from Mike Williams last year for the Steelers. Taylor’s camp highlights and contested catches are making him a fan and a coach favorite. A tremendous help for Taylor is having a veteran like DK Metcalf to help him.
The Steelers' 2025 preseason Week 1 matchup against the Jaguars is more about evaluating depth, chemistry, and health. Will Rodgers play? Can UDFA players seize the moment? Here's where Pittsburgh's 2025 campaign starts.