Overview
- Mike McCarthy will lead the Steelers in his first regular-season game after installing a new staff and systems during the offseason.
- McCarthy said Monday that he and Aaron Rodgers worked closely to reshape the offense, changing terminology and increasing under-center and play-action looks to fit Rodgers’ strengths.
- The coach will scrap season-long captains in favor of weekly captains as part of a broader culture shift away from practices set under Mike Tomlin.
- The roster is largely healthy for Week 1, but the starting right tackle job is unsettled with Dylan Cook getting most reps and rookie Max Iheanachor still making up lost time, while cornerback Joey Porter Jr. practiced despite an unresolved contract.
- Outside outlets give cautious season projections and list this opener against the Falcons as the first test of McCarthy–Rodgers chemistry, with Tua Tagovailoa named Atlanta’s Week 1 starter and both teams judged by early execution.