why is rogers not playing

Aaron Rodgers is not playing in the 2025 preseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers primarily due to a strategic decision by head coach Mike Tomlin, taking into consideration Rodgers' age (41 years old), his extensive career snaps, and the need to tailor his preparation differently than younger players. Rodgers joined the Steelers late and is still adjusting to the team, so the coaching staff is prioritizing his health and readiness for the regular season rather than preseason games. Rodgers himself has expressed skepticism about the value of preseason games, saying they are "not necessarily real football" as defenses do not play at full intensity. The Steelers have decided to keep him out of the preseason to avoid injury risk and focus on being fully prepared for Week 1 of the regular season against the New York Jets. This approach aligns with how some veteran quarterbacks are managed to extend their careers and maintain performance levels.