Pittsburgh Steelers News

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and backup Mason Rudolph will not play in the team's preseason contest against the New York Jets on Friday, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. McCarthy added that Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar will play. "I saw what I need to see from Mason last week," McCarthy said. Rodgers also sat out the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers last week, with Rudolph getting some run before Howard and Allar entered the game. The 42-year-old Rodgers has had enough reps in his Hall of Fame career and will be ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season without any preseason action. In what is expected to be the 22nd and final year of his career, Rodgers will be a low-end QB2 with limited upside in fantasy in an offense that is expected to remain pretty run-heavy under McCarthy. In his first year in Pittsburgh in 2025, Rodgers led the team to the postseason but finished as the QB19, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 regular-season starts.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle has a real chance to come out of camp with the larger share of this backfield. He rushed for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 236 carries with Carolina last season, added 39 catches for 297 yards and another score, and has now cleared 1,000 rushing yards in back-to-back years. Pittsburgh did not bring him in to sit, but Jaylen Warren is not going away either. Warren is still listed first on the initial depth chart, and the Steelers have continued giving both backs first-team work. The interesting part is that Pittsburgh itself has called Warren's No. 1 designation temporary while the coaching staff sorts out the split. Both backs have been described as capable of handling every down, so this could change by game plan or even by who has the hot hand. RotoBaller has Dowdle at RB29. That's a fair spot for the uncertainty, but there is more upside here if Dowdle ends up getting the heavier side of the workload. He looks like a solid middle-round target rather than someone to fade because of the committee.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has developed into one of the league's most well-rounded backs, topping 300 receiving yards in three straight seasons and 1,100 yards from scrimmage in two of three. Whether paired with a bruiser like Najee Harris or a pass-catching specialist like Kenny Gainwell, Warren has shown a knack for filling in wherever needed and often excelling while doing so. Now slated to share a backfield with a similar jack-of-all-trades in Rico Dowdle, there is an opportunity for both backs to produce in Mike McCarthy's up-tempo offense. Dowdle has rushed for 1,000 yards at each of his last two stops with the Panthers and Cowboys and has familiarity with McCarthy's system. Still, with Warren having already earned the trust of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the incumbent could have an early advantage in any workload split, and his reliability to always do the right thing will make snaps difficult to take away. Both players represent excellent value in the middle rounds of 2026 drafts, and as the current RB27 by ADP, Warren has the opportunity to greatly outperform expectations after his RB16 finish a year ago in a not dissimilar situation.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington caught a career-high 31 passes for 364 yards in 2025, but his activity in Thursday's preseason opener, while many of the team's starters were given the night off, is an indication that he is not viewed as a critical piece of the team's passing attack. Both Washington and sixth-year veteran Pat Freiermuth started the game with Mason Rudolph under center, with the latter catching one of his two targets for two yards while Washington was kept off the stat sheet. One of the most physically imposing players in the league, Washington is a dominant blocker at 6'7" and 264 pounds, but in a Mike McCarthy offense that favors three-receiver sets, he may see his receiving work limited after taking steps forward in that regard under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. At RotoBaller's TE37, Washington should not factor into 2026 draft plans, and with the position as deep as it's ever been, he may not even enter into the streaming conversation as he might have in past seasons.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton have agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract. The deal keeps Benton in Pittsburgh through the 2030 season and makes him the highest-paid Steelers defensive tackle in franchise history. In his third season, Benton recorded 5.5 sacks, 51 tackles, and six tackles for loss in 17 games. Benton is currently listed as a backup behind veteran Cameron Heyward and Derrick Harmon, who is expected to take a leap in his second season. While the massive contract extension is somewhat surprising given his current role, Benton will aim to have a strong 2026 season to prove the team right.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had a quiet preseason opener in Thursday night's win over the Green Bay Packers, catching his only target for a two-yard gain in the 28-9 victory. Freiermuth didn't do much on offense on a night in which the Steelers rested veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and top wide receivers DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman Jr. (leg). His lone reception came near the goal line on a fourth-down pass from backup QB Mason Rudolph. The 27-year-old was a sleeper target at the TE position last year, but he never panned out, catching 41 of his 54 targets for 486 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in his fifth year in the NFL. Jonnu Smith and pass-catching running back Kenny Gainwell left town in the offseason, but the addition of Pittman to new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense will most likely continue to keep Freiermuth's fantasy ceiling pretty low. With Rodgers running Pittsburgh's offense for one more year, fantasy managers should treat Freiermuth as a low-end TE2 option who is dependent on finding the end zone.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson handled just two carries for three yards in Thursday night's preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. Johnson, a third-round pick in last year's NFL Draft, doesn't appear to have won over Pittsburgh's new coaching staff just yet, as he didn't enter the contest until late in the third quarter. Although he was listed as the team's RB3 on the updated depth chart released earlier this week, Johnson played behind veterans Travis Homer and Lew Nichols and was out-touched by rookie running back Eli Heidenreich in the second half. Johnson could see an uptick in opportunities as the preseason continues, but it's becoming increasingly unlikely that he will have a meaningful role in the offense this season behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. While he remains worth stashing in deeper dynasty formats, Johnson is off the fantasy radar for redraft purposes.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard hauled in four of five targets for 51 receiving yards in a 28-9 preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. Bernard, a second-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, saw time with the first-team offense and immediately looked the part. He caught quarterback Mason Rudolph's first pass attempt and later impressed with a 25-yard catch-and-run that saw him shed multiple defenders. Bernard nearly scored a touchdown early in the second quarter but couldn't get his second foot in bounds despite a valiant effort. The Alabama product is unlikely to be drafted in many fantasy formats this fall, but he is a name to monitor as the season progresses given the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' wide receiver room behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. He'll get his next preseason action against the New York Jets next Friday.

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Drew Allar turned in an excellent showing Thursday night, completing 10 of 13 pass attempts for 153 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score in a 28-9 preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. Although Allar did not enter until late in the third quarter, he made an immediate impact by leading a five-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. He connected with fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen on a slant that nearly went the distance, but Wetjen was eventually brought down at the three-yard line after a 74-yard gain. Allar finished the drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown. The 22-year-old later found Wetjen for a five-yard touchdown and rookie fullback Riley Nowakowski for a four-yard score that sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter. While it seems unlikely that Allar will surpass both Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the depth chart before the regular season, a few more performances like this could keep him in the conversation for the QB2 job behind Aaron Rodgers. His next opportunity comes next Friday against the New York Jets.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard completed seven of nine pass attempts for 86 yards in a 28-9 preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. The second-year pro, who missed the entire 2025 season with a hand injury, made his NFL debut in the second quarter after taking over for veteran Mason Rudolph. On his second possession, Howard led the offense on a quick 80-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard rushing touchdown by running back Lew Nichols. Howard displayed a strong connection with tight end Robert Tonyan, as the two connected for four receptions and 61 yards on just four targets. The 24-year-old played into the third quarter before giving way to rookie Drew Allar, who also turned in an impressive performance. Howard is worth monitoring in dynasty formats as he competes for a backup job heading into the regular season.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 10 of 11 pass attempts for 93 yards in a 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. Rudolph got off to a rocky start, taking two sacks over his first four snaps, but quickly settled in and led the offense down the field on its second possession. Although the Steelers were unable to score after an offensive holding penalty nullified a three-yard rushing touchdown by Lew Nichols, Rudolph displayed early chemistry with rookie wideout Germie Bernard and several other pass-catchers throughout the drive. The 31-year-old then gave way to second-year pro Will Howard and rookie signal-caller Drew Allar, both of whom also impressed. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh's quarterback depth chart shakes out entering the regular season, with all three players competing for backup duties behind Aaron Rodgers. Rudolph is likely to see additional preseason action next weekend against the New York Jets.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (leg) is in street clothes and will not play in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, according to Brian Batko of Steelers.com. Pittman has missed some practice time this week in training camp with what appears to be a minor leg injury. Both he and DK Metcalf (undisclosed) are being held out of the first preseason game, although they could be back for next week's preseason tilt against the New York Jets on Friday, Aug. 21. The 28-year-old former second-rounder by the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 from USC had only 784 receiving yards on 80 receptions in 2025, but he did manage to find the end zone a career-high seven times in 17 games played in his final year in Indy. Although Pittman has a limited fantasy ceiling, he could rebound with his move to Pittsburgh if he's peppered with short targets from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Target him as a WR4/flex at a value in PPR fantasy drafts.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman Jr. (leg) are both in street clothes on Thursday night and will not play in the team's preseason opener versus the Green Bay Packers, according to Brian Batko of Steelers.com. Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers will also be inactive. The Steelers are playing it safe with Metcalf and Pittman, their top two receivers while they deal with minor injuries early in the preseason. Both players should be fine for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September, and they could be cleared to play in the team's second preseason game on Aug. 21 against the New York Jets. The 28-year-old Metcalf is still a physical freak, but he failed to return to the 1,000-yard mark for a second straight season and his first in Pittsburgh in 2025, and he could fall short of that mark again in 2026 after the addition of Pittman with Rodgers leading the offense for one more season. Metcalf has a safe touchdown floor -- he's never scored fewer than five touchdowns in his seven NFL seasons -- but fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a return to Metcalf's glory days from his time in Seattle.

Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in street clothes and will not play in Thursday night's preseason opener against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. With Rodgers sitting out, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar will get the work under center for the Steelers. The Steelers have indicated that they want to get Rodgers some preseason action, but it's unclear if it will come in their next exhibition game on Friday, Aug. 21, against another one of his former teams, the New York Jets. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer has returned to the Steel City for a second season in what he says will be the final year of his storied NFL career. Rodgers could have more opportunities to throw the football in new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense, although reports out of training camp suggest the Steelers' offense could stick with a pretty heavy ground approach again in 2026. Even with additional receiver help in Michael Pittman Jr., Rodgers will be an unintriguing low-end QB2 option in two-QB superflex leagues.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has said that the 2026 season will be his last in the NFL. If he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, which is expected, his name would go up on the Lambeau Field facade in five years with the other former Packers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rodgers' No. 12 would likely be retired, and he could be inducted into the Packers' Hall of Fame after four seasons of retirement. "Well, there first has to be an invite back," Rodgers told ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "We'll see about that, but yeah, I'm always going to have such a strong tie to Green Bay and the organization. If that comes to fruition, that could be a cool deal." Rodgers spent 18 years with the Packers before he was traded to the New York Jets in 2023. The Jets didn't play the Packers in either of his two seasons with the Jets, and the Steelers faced the Packers at Acrisure Stadium in 2025. The 42-year-old was hoping that the Steelers' preseason game this year was in Green Bay, but it, too, will be held in Pittsburgh. "When I heard it was possible to play both my former teams, I was really hoping this one was going to be in Green Bay," Rodgers said. If 2026 is indeed Rodgers' final NFL season, he will end his career without playing at Lambeau Field as a visitor.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is still going 65.4 overall in drafts after catching 59 passes for a career-low 850 yards and six touchdowns last season. He wasn't completely ineffective. Metcalf averaged 14.4 yards per catch, remained Pittsburgh's most-targeted receiver with 99 looks and has made his share of plays with Aaron Rodgers again in camp. Repeating that target total may be the tricky part. The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and then moved up to take Germie Bernard 47th overall, giving an already low-volume passing game more options at receiver. Metcalf remains a starter and the biggest downfield threat of the group, so another productive season is hardly out of the question. His price just doesn't leave much room for another step backward. RotoBaller has him WR35 and 77th overall in half-PPR, nearly a round behind his current ADP. Metcalf can beat that ranking, but fantasy managers taking him in the sixth round are paying for some of the rebound before it happens.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers confirmed that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (right leg) missed another training camp practice on Tuesday, according to Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. Fellow wideout DK Metcalf also wasn't seen at practice due to an undisclosed injury. The 28-year-old Pittman has missed the last couple of days with an injury that doesn't appear to be very serious. Still, neither Pittman nor Metcalf is likely to suit up for the team's preseason opener on Thursday versus the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers acquired Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason to bolster the team's WR depth behind Metcalf in 2026. Pittman had a career-high seven touchdowns in 17 games in 2025 in his final year in Indy, but it came with just 784 receiving yards, his lowest total since his rookie campaign. The former second-rounder from USC is joining an offense that should be more pass-happy under new head coach Mike McCarthy, but as second fiddle to Metcalf in an offense led by a fading Rodgers, Pittman profiles as more of a WR4/flex in fantasy football in his first year in the Steel City.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (undisclosed) missed Tuesday's training camp practice with an undisclosed injury, quarterback Aaron Rodgers told Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. With both Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. (leg) sitting out, receivers Germie Bernard, Brandon Smith, and Roman Wilson have stepped up for Rodgers. The Steelers' WR corps is a little banged up, but neither Metcalf's nor Pittman's injury seems to be very serious, and the two should be back in the fold at practice sooner rather than later. We would not expect Metcalf to play in Pittsburgh's preseason opener this Thursday against the Green Bay Packers. The 28-year-old Metcalf should still be the Steelers' WR1 in new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense in 2026, but the addition of Pittman definitely won't help his overall target share as he enters his eighth NFL season. In addition to more target competition, the two-time Pro Bowler's situation with Rodgers running the offense won't necessarily give him a high fantasy ceiling. The path to the fourth 1,000-yard season of Metcalf's career is tenuous.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson is getting another vote of confidence from Aaron Rodgers. According to Mike DeFabo, Rodgers said Wilson is "coming into his own," pointing to how much more dynamic and confident he looks this summer. That's a big change from where Wilson was a year ago. He caught only 12 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games last season and was a healthy inactive late in the year. This summer, he is listed as a starter on Pittsburgh's first unofficial depth chart and has been making plays in camp, including a diving touchdown catch during a two-minute drill. There is still competition for work with second-round rookie Germie Bernard in the receiver room, but Wilson has given the Steelers more reason to keep him involved. Rodgers continuing to single him out is notable, especially after such a quiet 2025. Wilson still has to carry it into the regular season, but his third-year outlook looks considerably better than it did a few months ago.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (right leg) did not appear at Monday's practice. Pittman sustained a right-leg injury during Saturday's practice, prompting rookie receiver Germie Bernard to step up with the first-team offense. The former Indianapolis Colts wideout was traded to Pittsburgh in March, following a fourth 80-reception season in the past five years. Pittman served as the team's WR1 for most of his tenure but was dealt after signing Alec Pierce to a massive extension. Pittman will work with Aaron Rodgers in 2026 alongside D.K. Metcalf, Bernard, and Roman Wilson. Assuming he's healthy and set for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, Pittman is a solid mid-round option in fantasy leagues this season.