A handful of notable Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting out the team’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. QB Aaron Rodgers, S Jaquan Brisker, receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., OT Max Iheanachor, DL Sebastian Joseph-Day, and newly signed ILB Elandon Roberts won’t play in tonight’s contest.

The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo and Steelers.com’s Brian Batko shared lists shortly before kickoff. 

Noteworthy players in uniform: DeShon Elliott, Asante Samuel Jr., Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Roman Wilson.

Not in uniform: Aaron Rodgers, Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Jaquan Brisker, Brandin Echols. Don’t see DK or Pittman, either.

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 13, 2026

In addition to Aaron Rodgers, other Steelers in street clothes tonight: Jaquan Brisker, DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Brandin Echols, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Max Iheanachor, Elandon Roberts (already here!)

— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) August 13, 2026

Rodgers is healthy and being sat for precautionary reasons. Mason Rudolph will start with Will Howard replacing him. Rookie Drew Allar will finish out the game.

Iheanachor suffered an upper-body injury on Aug. 6 that appeared to be to his neck/shoulder region. He returned for a very light session on Monday but head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged he was unlikely to play tonight while he regains his strength. At the earliest, his debut will have to wait until Aug. 21 against the New York Jets. Broderick Jones could benefit with extra playing time.

Pittman and Metcalf were injured during the team’s Saturday night practice. Trainers appeared to be checking Pittman’s right hamstring while Metcalf’s injury is unknown. It’ll create plenty of chances for third-year receiver Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard to shine along with Brandon Smith, who has impressed and is aiming to at least lock down a practice squad spot.

Brisker suffered a minor injury late last week. He returned to practice in limited fashion Monday, and the team is likely being cautious with his return. Echols injured his ankle early in the week and wasn’t expected to play. The injury seems relatively minor, and he could return for one of the team’s final two preseason games. Joseph-Day has missed the last several practices due to an unknown injury.

Strong safety DeShon Elliott, who has been limited in training camp while working back from a 2025 knee/leg injury, is in uniform, per DeFabo. As are DL Cam Heyward and EDGE T.J. Watt. How much they will play, if at all, remains to be seen. Our David Orochena noted rookie RB Eli Heidenreich is in uniform tonight after being limited in recent practices due to a right leg injury.

UPDATE (7:00 PM): Per DeFabo, Heyward nor Watt were named starters tonight, implying they won’t play and just went through pregame warmup in uniform. The same applies to RBs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, per Batko.

Defensive starters announced:
Harmon, Black, Benton, Samuel Jr., Dean, Spears-Jennings, Jenkins, Slaughter, Herbig, Wilson, Queen, Highsmith.

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 13, 2026

It’s also a bucket hat/sneakers night for the Steelers’ one-two punch at running back, Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.

— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) August 13, 2026

If any other names are spotted not in uniform, we’ll pass them along.

Earlier in the day, the Steelers placed defensive lineman Logan Lee on injured reserve, ending his season. It’s opened up for chances for veterans Dean Lowry and Esezi Otomewo along with rookie Gabriel Rubio to make the 53-man roster.

The Steelers and Packers kick off at 7 PM/EST.