Aaron Rodgers open to taking part in in Steelers’ preseason opener

LATROBE, Pa. — Aaron Rodgers believes the new-look Pittsburgh Steelers offense is beginning to determine issues out.

The veteran quarterback says he is even open to showcasing how far the offense has are available Saturday’s preseason opener in opposition to Jacksonville … if coach Mike Tomlin asks.

“It is an attention-grabbing dialog,” Rodgers mentioned Wednesday. “I feel Mike and I’ve that sooner or later. I do not suppose it is within the plan for me to play this week, however no matter Mike desires to do, I am absolutely on board.”

The 41-year-old final appeared in an exhibition recreation two years in the past throughout his first season with the New York Jets. Earlier than that, the NFL’s oldest lively participant hadn’t run onto the sector for a recreation that did not rely since 2018.

The short-term lack of rookie quarterback Will Howard would possibly complicate issues. The previous Ohio State star is coping with a hand harm and will not be obtainable, leaving Rodgers, veteran Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson to separate the snaps in opposition to the Jaguars.

Tomlin on Wednesday mentioned Howard is “week-to-week” with a damaged finger after smacking his hand in opposition to a helmet in apply on Tuesday. Howard, who had a splint on what seemed to be his pinky finger at Wednesday’s apply, remains to be exploring his choices, however the harm seems to be non-surgical.

“It [stinks] for him for positive … as a result of he is had such a pleasant camp as a younger participant after which watching him in minicamp and simply seeing his, you recognize, command of the offense,” mentioned Rodgers, who has actively taken Howard underneath his wing since signing a one-year cope with the Steelers in early June. “However this 12 months is a development 12 months for him. It is a 12 months to look at and study and clearly higher himself. This [should] simply be a minor setback for him.”

After being usually dominated through the opening 10 or so practices at Saint Vincent School, Rodgers thinks he has seen some progress in latest days as he grows extra snug in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system.

The 2 spent a number of hours on Tuesday speaking about offensive philosophy past mere X’s and O’s, and Rodgers mentioned Smith desires the offense to be a collaborative course of.

“He is not a inflexible man in any respect, you recognize?” Rodgers mentioned. “So … concepts that I’ve or concepts that a number of the receivers are giving to me to provide to him, every little thing is considered, which I actually recognize.”

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor and The Related Press contributed to this report.