LATROBE, Pa. — The Steelers wrapped up their last practice before their first preseason game on Tuesday, with the team practicing indoors for the second straight day.
Channel 11 sports director Jenna Harner has the latest from Latrobe on which starters might see playing time Thursday night.
When we spoke with Aaron Rodgers after practice today and asked him if he was going to play at all Thursday night against the Packers, he was quick to respond, saying it’s the preseason — it’s not real football.
If he does play, great; if he doesn’t, great.
“I think preseason football is good to see guys with the pads on under the lights how they react to the nerves,” Rodgers said.
He said he and head coach Mike McCarthy have not yet had the conversations about how much, if any, playing time he’ll get in Thursday night’s preseason opener.
He feels there’s no real advantage to him playing in the preseason.
McCarthy said conversations about whose playing Thursday will happen tonight. He did add that he’s never had a quarterback who didn’t want to play in the preseason — and ultimately it’ll be his decision.
McCarthy also shared what he’s looking for in the team’s first true game action of the year.
“Most important thing for me is play style,” he said. You have to get your play style established. You practice in a structured environment, starting with the ramp-ups. Just a little safer approach. So now it’s time to cut loose. So starts up front. So number one, the number one objective for me is to establish your play style."
While it is just the preseason — this will be McCarthy’s first game in Pittsburgh as the coach of the Steelers.
He told us it’ll definitely mean a lot on Thursday when he’s driving to the stadium.
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