5 Players With Most Riding On Steelers Preseason Opener

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers begin their preseason schedule with a familiar opponent. New head coach Mike McCarthy began his head coaching career with the Green Bay Packers, so it's only fitting that they face the Packers in his coaching debut with the Steelers.

It's a new chapter for the Steelers. They have a new man in charge, along with a brand new staff. They also have a brand new set of roster competitions and challenges to overcome.

Which leads us to five players who have the most to prove for the Steelers.

Drew Allar - Checking In On His Development

Everyone wants to see what the third-round pick can do, and Drew Allar is eager to get his first taste of NFL action. Coach McCarthy indicated that two quarterbacks would receive the bulk of the snaps, and the logical conclusion from that is that Allar will play the entirety of the second half.

If he impresses, the quarterback depth chart is instantly shaken up. If he struggles mightily, what will the response be?

Will Howard - Can He Surpass Mason Rudolph?

Just like Allar, Will Howard should see significant time in the preseason opener. He's trying desperately to knock Mason Rudolph out of the backup quarterback role, and he needs to be excellent against the Packers to make his case.

Broderick Jones - Is He Back?

The fact that Broderick Jones reported to training camp healthy and has been a full participant is one of the best surprises of the preseason. The neck injury he suffered in 2025 could have ended his career, but here he is, fighting for a roster spot.

Jones still has that positional versatility, something coach McCarthy has stressed as essential for any backup on the 53-man roster. He has to show that he's put in the work on his technique. Are his hands and feet working in tandem, or is he still a player who has unsteady hands to go along with an athletic lower-body? That will be put to the test in his first taste of preseason action.

Jul 29, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in drills at training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jack Sawyer - Next Breakout LB or Depth Player?

The Steelers have a new defensive approach to the upcoming season, and that's thanks to new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Part of that new approach, at least from their work in camp, is relying more on three outside linebackers. It's a smart move, as the team has T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig at the ready.

Where does that leave second-year edge rusher Jack Sawyer? He played well in short spells as a rookie, but does this year's team have the same plans for him? He can force his way into those plans with a dominating effort against the Packers.

Robert Spears-Jennings - New Backup Safety?

For a seventh-round pick, Robert Spears-Jennings has been overly impressive from the start of training camp. With multiple starters receiving days off and working through various injuries, the former Oklahoma defender has risen to the occasion. Right now, he's slated to be the team's third safety, but that's a huge ask of a seventh-round rookie.

It won't feel like a huge risk, however, if Spears-Jennings can show how ready he is against Green Bay.

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