Steelers vs. Packers Preview: Pittsburgh Opens Preseason With Aaron Rodgers Storyline Taking Center Stage
PITTSBURGH, PA — Football is finally returning to Acrisure Stadium. The Pittsburgh Steelers open their 2026 preseason Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers, and while the final score will mean little in the standings, there will be no shortage of storylines surrounding Mike McCarthy’s team. It will be Pittsburgh’s first game action of the new season and the first opportunity for Steelers Nation to see how a roster with significant expectations begins taking shape. Green Bay is expected to play quarterback Jordan Love, while Packers running back Josh Jacobs is sidelined this week with a groin injury. The matchup is also the first preseason meeting between Pittsburgh and Green Bay since 2018. (Packers)
Naturally, much of the attention will be on Aaron Rodgers. Facing Green Bay always carries an extra layer of history for the four-time MVP, but Rodgers has made it clear he isn’t treating an exhibition matchup against his former franchise as some personal revenge game. His participation also remains one of the biggest questions entering Thursday. Rodgers said he would play if McCarthy wants him on the field, although the 42-year-old veteran openly acknowledged that preseason football doesn’t carry the same significance for him as the regular season. McCarthy, meanwhile, said Pittsburgh plans to use three quarterback groups, with the first group handling the opening two series. (Reuters)
For Pittsburgh, however, Thursday night is about much more than Rodgers. Preseason football is where depth charts begin to become real, and several younger Steelers have an opportunity to turn strong training-camp performances into meaningful game reps. Wide receiver Roman Wilson is among the players generating attention after an impressive camp, with Rodgers himself praising Wilson’s development and growing confidence. The offensive line will also be worth watching, particularly with rookie tackle Max Iheanachor unlikely to play because of an upper-body injury, creating additional opportunities for Pittsburgh’s other linemen. (Behind the Steel Curtain)
And then there is McCarthy. After completing his new Steelers coaching staff earlier this year, Thursday represents another visible step in Pittsburgh’s transition into a new era. (Pittsburgh Steelers) Nobody should overreact to a preseason opener, but Steelers fans finally get something they have been waiting months to see: black and gold jerseys back on the field, young players fighting for jobs, veterans preparing for another run, and a new coaching staff beginning to establish its identity.
The road to the 2026 season starts Thursday night in Pittsburgh. Steelers Nation, football is back. 🖤💛
🚨 STEELERS NATION — IT’S GAME WEEK! 🖤💛
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers
📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM ET
🏟️ Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh
📺 KDKA-TV / Steelers Preseason TV Network
📻 WDVE 102.5 FM / WBGG 970 AM
The wait is almost over. The Steelers officially open their 2026 preseason at home against the Green Bay Packers, giving Steelers Nation its first real look at the Black and Gold before the regular season begins.
FOOTBALL IS BACK IN PITTSBURGH. WHO’S READY?! 🖤💛🔥
#HereWeGo #Steelers #SteelersNation #NFL #PittsburghSteelers #AaronRodgers