Steelers' Mike Tomlin Reveals Playing Time Plan vs. Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are just days away from playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason finale, and there are questions as to how much the starters will play in the final tune-up before the regular season.
When there were four preseason games, it was customary practice that the starters rest in the final game. However, with one less game and a full two weeks between the final preseason contest and the first regular season battle, the lines are now blurred.
For Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, he believes there is value in playing his starting unit.
“We’ll play the first group until we have a level of satisfaction on both sides of the ball with those agendas, and then we’ll move on to the second, and then the third, and we’ll go from there," Tomlin said. "By no means am I guaranteeing everyone plays. Really, it’s our ability to see what it is that we need to see before we move on.”
It remains to be seen whether Arthur Smith will follow suit.
"The guys we know for sure will be out there against Carolina, it’s whether we think they need to do the ramp-up or if we’re okay with where they’re at," Smith said. "Then, it goes into opportunities for other guys. It’s a balance. We’re constantly evaluating.”
The evaluation continues Thursday night when the Steelers come to town. Kickoff is set for 7:30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.
Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.
Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here
