Aaron Rodgers Addresses Mike McCarthy's Plan for Steelers QB During 2026 NFL Preseason

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is willing to be flexible with his workload heading into the 2026 NFL season.

The Athletic's Michael Silver wrote Monday that Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy wants Rodgers to suit up for the team's first two preseason games. The 42-year-old is prepared to put on the pads.

"He (wants me out there for) 30 or 40 plays," Rodgers said. "I said, 'Mike, if you want me to play, I'll play.' I'm not saying I want to do it. But if he wants me to, I will."

McCarthy, for his part, said Monday that nothing is set in stone.

Veterans with a lot of tenure tend to take it easier during training camp and the preseason.

Rodgers in particular would operate at his own pace toward the end of his Green Bay Packers tenure, and the 2024 offseason famously saw him miss mandatory minicamp in lieu of a trip to Egypt.

In terms of the preseason, the four-time MVP has logged just two appearances since 2018.

Rodgers has said this will be his final season in the NFL, having waffled in the past on his future. He told Silver the hiring of Mike McCarthy was a pivotal factor in his decision.

"I'd gone into the offseason thinking it was probably going to be it, and I'd be totally fine with it — I feel good about my career," he said. "But once he got hired, then my mindset changed a little bit."

Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel might be leading Rodgers to operate with a different level of urgency. He won't want to go out on a low note if he can avoid it.

Maybe Rodgers doesn't play in the preseason at all. A past version of him probably would've ruled out the idea entirely before it got this far.