Aaron Rodgers, Metcalf, Heyward, Watt Won't Play in Steelers-Panthers Preseason Finale

A handful of Pittsburgh Steelers starters won't suit up for the team's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers.

Per NFL insider Andrew Siciliano, Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Cam Heyward, and TJ Watt are among those on the Steelers who will not play on Thursday.

None of the players mentioned appeared in the Steelers' first two preseason games, so it's unsurprising to see Mike Tomlin keep them sidelined in the final tune-up.

While Pittsburgh ultimately didn't need Rodgers to play in the preseason, he said earlier in training camp that he would be willing to suit up if Tomlin asked him to.

"It's an interesting conversation," Rodgers told reporters. "I think Mike and I have that at some point. I don't think it's in the plan for me to play this week, but whatever Mike wants to do, I'm fully on board."

It comes as no surprise that Heyward won't play against the Panthers, considering the star defensive tackle is awaiting a new contract and still mulling over the possibility of missing regular-season games.

"I know what I bring to this team and what I'm capable of, on and off the field," Heyward said last week. "So, it's hard for me to, after the year I've had, to justify playing at the number I'm playing at."

Heyward is entering the second year of a two-year, $29 million contract and is arguably underpaid compared to other players at his position. He's coming off an All-Pro season in which he collected 35 tackles, eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits.

The Steelers will look to get Heyward's contract sorted out before the start of the season.

Pittsburgh will face the Panthers at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday before opening up the regular season against the New York Jets on Sept. 7.