Overview
- The preseason opened with a six‑game Thursday slate on Aug. 13, highlighted by the Packers‑Steelers national kickoff at Acrisure Stadium on NFL Network at 7 p.m. ET.
- Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Jordan Love is expected to play, while Steelers coach Mike McCarthy described Rodgers' participation as still under discussion and therefore uncertain.
- Pittsburgh will use a three‑group quarterback plan that hands live snaps to Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar, with Allar set to make his professional debut.
- Other Thursday matchups include Bengals‑Lions, Colts‑Patriots, Texans‑Chargers, Raiders‑Cardinals and 49ers‑Titans, and top rookies such as No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza are expected to see early game action.
- Coaches will keep most starters’ work limited to reduce injury risk and sort depth charts, a process that will shape roster cut decisions, affect betting lines and give fans a first look at young players while games stream on NFL Network, Fubo and NFL+ Premium.