The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Green Bay Packers tonight in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason, but one of the biggest questions entering the game is whether Aaron Rodgers will play against his former team.
Rodgers remains the Steelers’ starting quarterback heading into the 2026 season, but his participation in Thursday night’s preseason opener has not been definitively confirmed.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has left open the possibility of Rodgers playing briefly, potentially for a series or two, while Rodgers has publicly expressed little enthusiasm about taking preseason snaps.
Is Aaron Rodgers Playing Today vs. Packers?
As of Thursday afternoon, Aaron Rodgers has not been officially confirmed to play against the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers has indicated that he does not see much benefit in preseason football, particularly against Green Bay, but has also made clear that he will play if McCarthy decides to put him on the field.
That leaves Rodgers’ status as essentially a coach’s decision heading into kickoff.
If Rodgers does play, his appearance would likely be brief rather than an extended preseason workload.
Who Is the Steelers Starting Quarterback vs. Packers?
Rodgers remains the Steelers’ QB1 for the 2026 NFL season, but Pittsburgh could use several quarterbacks during Thursday night’s preseason game.
McCarthy has discussed a plan involving multiple quarterback groups, potentially featuring one quarterback for the opening series or two, another finishing the first half and a third playing during the second half.
That structure would allow Pittsburgh to evaluate its younger quarterbacks while limiting the workload of its veteran starter.
Will Howard and Drew Allar are among the quarterbacks expected to receive important preseason opportunities.
Why Aaron Rodgers May Not Play Against Green Bay
Rodgers has been outspoken about the limited value he sees in preseason football.
The veteran quarterback has noted that teams generally use simplified schemes during exhibition games and avoid revealing significant portions of their regular-season playbooks.
For a quarterback with Rodgers’ experience, the Steelers may determine that additional practice repetitions are more valuable than exposing him to unnecessary injury risk during a preseason game.
Rodgers has nevertheless said he will follow McCarthy’s decision if the Steelers coach wants him on the field.
Aaron Rodgers Facing the Packers Adds Intrigue
Any Rodgers appearance Thursday would carry additional significance because of his history with Green Bay.
Rodgers spent the overwhelming majority of his NFL career with the Packers, developing into one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history.
He won four NFL MVP awards during his Green Bay tenure and led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV.
Even though Thursday’s matchup is only a preseason game, Rodgers taking snaps against Green Bay would provide one of the most interesting storylines of the opening week of preseason football.
Steelers Quarterback Depth Chart
Pittsburgh enters the preseason with Rodgers firmly positioned as its veteran starter, while the exhibition schedule gives the organization an opportunity to evaluate the quarterbacks behind him.
The Steelers’ preseason quarterback situation centers around:
- Aaron Rodgers — Starting quarterback
- Will Howard — Young quarterback competing for preseason reps
- Drew Allar — Young quarterback expected to receive evaluation opportunities
If Rodgers sits Thursday night, Howard and Allar could receive significantly more playing time against Green Bay.
If Rodgers starts, his appearance is expected to be limited before Pittsburgh turns the offense over to its younger quarterbacks.
Packers vs. Steelers Game Time and TV Information
The Packers and Steelers meet Thursday, August 13, as part of Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason.
Matchup: Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Game: 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1
Fans should check local listings and NFL broadcast options for television and streaming availability in their market.
Will Aaron Rodgers Start Tonight?
The answer may not become official until closer to kickoff.
Rodgers remains Pittsburgh’s regular-season starting quarterback, but McCarthy has the option of either giving his veteran QB a short preseason appearance or keeping him on the sideline entirely.
If Rodgers does take the field, expect a very limited workload, potentially only one or two offensive series.
The more extensive quarterback evaluation Thursday night is likely to involve Pittsburgh’s younger options, including Howard and Allar.
For Steelers fans, the most important takeaway is that Rodgers’ preseason participation does not change his position atop Pittsburgh’s quarterback depth chart heading into the 2026 regular season.