Overview

• Aaron Rodgers will not play in Thursday’s preseason finale at Carolina, with his first expected game action as a Steeler coming in Week 1 at the Jets.
• Mike Tomlin also ruled out DK Metcalf, Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt for the finale, while newcomers Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay are slated to debut.
• Cam Heyward returned to practice after a hold-in seeking a revised deal, and reporting indicates no new contract progress yet.
• Heyward apologized to Rodgers for earlier public remarks, and Rodgers said the comments initially hurt but the relationship has been smoothed over.
• Rodgers is taking an active coaching role with young receivers, praising Roman Wilson and vowing to hold him to a high standard, while Metcalf publicly defended Rodgers’ character.