Steelers to carry over trend from Week 1 of the preseason as it pertains to who’s in and who’s out against the Buccaneers
Not much of a change in Week 2.
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t play a ton of starters in Week 1 of the preseason, and certainly not many veterans.
With the Buccaneers already in town for a joint practice, the Steelers used Thursday, a controlled environment to see what they have in terms of a team.
What does that mean in terms of the starters playing on Saturday? Mike Tomlin answered that question…
Steelers not planning to play a bevy of starters against Buccaneers
“As far as anticipated play time, I’m gonna play this preseason game very much like we did the first one in terms of participation,” said Tomlin on Thursday. “The same collection of guys that were held out the last time will comprise the guys that are held out this time. Those include Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf. Jaylen Warren. The two tight ends, Muth [Pat Freiermuth] and Jonnu [Smith]. Isaac Seumalo on the offensive line . . .
“. . .On the defensive side of the ball, the three edge guys, T.J. [Watt], [Alex] Highsmith. Maybe I’ll let [Nick] Herbig play a little bit. It depends on how much quality work he gets today. Cam [Heyward] won’t play. Pat Queen won’t play. Those core secondary guys that I held out last time, I will hold out this time. Again, we’ll make our decisions on a week to week basis based on development and performance.”
To be quite honest, at this point I would be surprised if the Steelers play their starters or at least their veteran starters at any point this preseason. The finale is a week from Thursday. Maybe Tomlin decides that it’s ok because the starters will effectively have had a week off after Thursday’s scrimmage with the Buccaneers, but I’m not so sure.
It paves the road for another big week from Skylar Thompson, a chance to rebound for Kaleb Johnson, and more big performances from the rookie UDFAs in the WR room.
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