The Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed that Aaron Rodgers will not feature in their preseason opener against Jacksonville.

The 41-year-old is gearing up for his 21st season in the NFL after signing a deal with the Steelers and fans are more than eager to see the veteran out on the field. 

However, despite saying he was 'fully on board' to play in Saturday's game, head coach Mike Tomlin has revealed that Rodgers will not feature on the day.  

Tomlin confirmed that a number of starters - including DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward - will be all by rested for the game. 

According to Mark Kaboly of 'The Pat McAfee Show', he said: 'I've identified some guys that won't be playing in this game this week. It has nothing to do with injury. 

'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 opportunities for those that need more preparation and more opportunity to display their talents.' 

It's understandable that Tomlin is cautious of unnecessarily using Rodgers prior to the season, after they suffered an injury in the quarterback department earlier this week. 

On Tuesday it emerged that Will Howard, who was selected in the sixth round of April's NFL Draft, has suffered a fracture in his hand after banging it during practice, 

While the young quarterback is awaiting further tests, it is not expected that he will be required to undergo surgery. However, he is still expected to be ruled out for at least three weeks with the 2025 season on the horizon. 

After spending 2024 at Ohio State following four years at Kansas State, Howard is entering his rookie year with the Steelers under the mentorship of Aaron Rodgers. 

The four-time MVP, who signed a one-year, $13.65million deal with Pittsburgh this offseason, is expected to suit up as Tomlin's starter under center.

Meanwhile, Rodgers recently offered some brutal advice to a Steelers teammate ahead of the new NFL season. 

At their recent training camp, the 41-year-old was asked about second-year receiver Roman Wilson, who struggled to make an impact during his rookie season. 

Wilson's debut campaign was derailed by a hamstring injury in October but Rodgers suggested that there's something else holding the young star back. 

According to 93.7 The Fan, he said: 'I gotta get Ro out of his head a little bit. I think he's such a good kid. 

'He cares so much, whether it's my approval or if he's doing it right. He's just gotta trust himself, because he's so damn talented.

'The more you can play free and not think out there, the better he's gonna play. The more he can just trust what he's got, and then just go out there and react, the better he can play.'