The Steelers are seriously looking at keeping four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster, which sounds wild, right? Coach Mike McCarthy just alluded to that likelihood again after their 28-27 preseason finale loss in Buffalo. He feels good about the whole quarterback room, saying they have “two veterans that we can win with” and “two young guys that we’re really excited about their future.” But if that plan changes before Sunday night, the spotlight immediately swings to 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, set for his second and final season with the team.
The Kids Showed Up, But What Does it Mean?
That preseason game saw second-year QB Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar take every snap. Howard, who started and played the first half, went 9 of 15 for 69 yards, slinging two touchdowns but also throwing an interception. Allar played the entire second half, went 9 of 18 for 88 yards, with no touchdowns and no picks. McCarthy is clearly buying what they’re selling. The decision to roll with four QBs speaks volumes about their commitment to developing these young guys while still trying to win *now*. What happens if they blink? What if they decide four is too many and someone has to go? That’s where things get really interesting.
Rodgers: The High-Stakes Gamble
If the Steelers shake things up, the article hypes Aaron Rodgers as the guy they should start. It makes sense, right? This team’s gone 10-7 with a wild card playoff loss each of the last three years, and oddsmakers have their 2026 Over/Under set at 8.5 wins. They’re literally always on the cusp of the playoffs. The logic is that Rodgers, even at 42, gives them the best shot at ending their 10-year drought without a playoff win and continuing their insane 22 consecutive non-losing seasons. His numbers last year were solid: 65.7 CMP%, 3322 YDs, 24 TDs, 7 INTs, and 6.67 YD/Att. He’s got an elite football IQ, a legendary throwing touch, and enough mobility. Plus, that fierce competitive drive? Undeniable.
The Uncomfortable Truth About a 42-Year-Old QB
Let’s be real, though. Rodgers is 42. He can’t move like he used to, and he’s definitely not a fan of taking big hits. That can lead to hurried throws and questionable decisions. Are those “deficiencies” really minor compared to what he brings, as the article suggests? The Steelers clearly believe in contending every year, but betting big on a 42-year-old to finally get them over that playoff hump feels like a massive roll of the dice. If they stick with four QBs, they’re managing future potential. If they cut down, and Rodgers is the undeniable starter, they’re all-in on a player who’s great but has clear physical limits. It’s a tough spot finalizing that initial roster.
The clock is ticking for the Steelers to finalize that 53-man roster by Sunday night. This isn’t just about who makes the team; it’s about setting the tone for their entire season. Are they truly committed to trying to contend for a title with their veteran signal-caller, or will the youth movement shake things up in unexpected ways? Every decision between now and Sunday tells us everything.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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