With OTAs virtually right here, it feels unlikely that Aaron Rodgers will signal with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier than they start. Subsequently, the crew seems to be primed to apply with Mason Rudolph as their starter. That may result in some awkward questions. Not too long ago, Rodgers has dropped some huge hints that he’ll finally be a part of the Steelers. Nevertheless, that hasn’t occurred but. Analyst Nick Wright wonders if Steelers offensive gamers will give their full effort with Rudolph, not Rodgers, below heart.
“The Steelers have OTAs tomorrow,” Wright mentioned Monday on FS1’s First Issues First. “Is something optimistic gonna come of that from the offensive aspect of the ball? Should you’re a Pittsburgh Steeler, are you actually making an attempt to get on the identical web page with Mason Rudolph? Does timing matter?
“Is anybody on the Steelers’ offense going to have the ability to assume as if that is vital? How might they? What do the coaches do? Be like, ‘Nicely, Mason’s our quarterback.’ How do they message it? Do they mislead him? Do they are saying, ‘Okay, everyone knows our actual quarterback’s not right here.’ How do they do it? It’s a waste of time.”
OTAs are voluntary, which signifies that any participant who attends them desires to be there. Why would any participant present up in the event that they didn’t intend to strive their finest? Perhaps gamers will surprise how issues will change when Rodgers does present up, however it’s uncertain that they’d dwell on a participant who isn’t there.
Additionally, it’s extremely unlikely that Steelers coaches will mislead Rudolph about his job standing. It hasn’t been a secret that the crew is pursuing Rodgers. That began earlier than Pittsburgh signed Rudolph, too. When he signed with the Steelers, he possible understood that there was likelihood they’d signal Rodgers as their starter.
Even with the Rodgers query hanging over their heads, gamers have causes to need to get work in with Rudolph. Proper now, he’s their beginning quarterback. Assuming Rodgers will check in Pittsburgh, even with all of the proof signaling that it ought to occur, may very well be harmful. He didn’t rule retirement out earlier this yr. Perhaps Rudolph would be the Steelers’ starter to start the 2025 season.
Simply as nicely, Rodgers is 41 years previous and suffered a major damage in 2023. If he performs this season, he might undergo an damage, thrusting Rudolph again into the beginning position. In that case, the additional work gamers are getting with him now might matter.
Regardless of their postseason failures lately, the Steelers’ objective is to win a Tremendous Bowl. That’s why they often have excellent attendance at OTAs. Gamers perceive that getting the crew collectively to jell is vital. Perhaps lacking OTAs isn’t an enormous deal. Nevertheless, that further work might present up throughout the season.
Rodgers isn’t signed with the Steelers proper now. He has no obligation to hitch them for OTAs. All of the Steelers can do is concentrate on making their crew as it’s higher. If gamers really feel prefer it’s going to be a waste of time with out Rodgers, then they most likely received’t present up. Gamers who’re there need to work, although. Exhibiting up and never making an attempt solely hurts the crew.
