Mike Tomlin’s list of Steelers who won’t play in preseason opener excludes a promising wide receiver and two key starters
Here’s who’s in and who’s out for Saturday’s preseason opener in Jacksonville.
Week 1 of Pittsburgh Steelers football is here…sort of.
The preseason is upon us, and while the most anticipated player of the rookie class is out, everyone else from April’s draft is slated to play. But there will be some year two players and vets who also strap up under the lights.
Here’s who’s in and who’s out for Saturday night…
Mike Tomlin names starters who won’t play against Jaguars in preseason
“I’ve identified some guys that won’t be playing in this game this week, and it has nothing to do with injury,” said Coach Tomlin. “They need less runway to take off, to be quite honest with you, because of their experience and where they are in their careers. Oftentimes, I preserve them through this process while providing more opportunity for those that need more preparation or more opportunity to display their talents and so forth…
Players out but not injured include:
Aaron Rodgers
DK Metcalf
Jaylen Warren
Pat Freiermuth
Jonnu Smith
Isaac Seumalo
Jalen Ramsey
Joey Porter Jr.
Darius Slay
DeShon Elliott
Patrick Queen
T.J. Watt
Cam Heyward
Nick Herbig
Chris Boswell
Players out with injury include:
Cory Trice Jr.,
Alex Highsmith,
Calvin Austin III
Donte Kent
Who to watch on offense
It starts with the tackle position. Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu will be playing against the Jaguars, who figure to feature at least some of their starters. Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are two premier pass rushers, so that group will have its work cut out for them.
Beyond that, all eyes will be on Roman Wilson. With Mason Rudolph slated to start, and most of the first team O-line getting some burn, Wilson will be the WR No.1 on Saturday night. No Metcalf and no Calvin Austin III creates a big opportunity.
Who to watch on defense
Let’s start at the top. Rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon will be in the fold, and I fully expect his dominant camp to carry over to Saturday. Along the defensive line, it will be interesting to see Jack Sawyer garner first-team reps as the top three pass rushers in Pittsburgh will be out.
Behind him, second-year LB Payton Wilson will wear the green dot as the defensive signal caller and be the number one middle linebacker. Key secondary pieces include Beanie Bishop, Juan Thornhill, and Chuck Clark.
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