Steelers Get Horrific News On Aaron Rodgers After Training Camp Observations

The Pittsburgh Steelers kick off the 2025 regular season in just under a week as the team will travel to New Jersey to take on the New York Jets. The game is going to have a ton of storylines surrounding it as Justin Fields will be taking on his former team, and Aaron Rodgers will be playing the team that released him following the 2024 season. Rodgers is one of the biggest question marks surrounding the Steelers entering the 2025 season, as the last two seasons with New York have been rough and it is hard to determine how he is going to play with Pittsburgh.

The success of the Steelers in 2025 is going to hinge on Rodgers' performance and how the offense plays as a whole. Some fans are hopeful about Rodgers, while others seem to have already written the four-time MVP off. Reports out of training camp in Latrobe varied, but former Pittsburgh defender James Harrison had some not-so-great observations after visiting Latrobe. He shared his thoughts on the new podcast Deebo & Joe, which he hosts with his former teammate Joe Haden.

"To be honest with you, I don't think he's the player that he used to be," Harrison said. "I think now it's to the point where those balls that he would zip out there, and it's just the fingertip away and you couldn't get to it. Now, guys are getting a hand on that ball. Some guys are picking that ball. The placement is not exactly perfect like it was. It's three inches off. Three inches off, it's the difference between somebody touching the ball, picking the ball, and the ball getting into the receiver's hands."

Harrison stating that Rodgers is not the player he used to be does not come as a surprise. Rodgers is now 41-years old, his play is going to decline some, especially after missing nearly the entire 2023 season with a serious Achilles injury. However, he was one of the better quarterbacks in the league during the second half of the season in 2024, and he could take another step forward as he further removes himself from his injury.

Harrison believes Rodgers does not have the same "zip" on the football that he used to, which could be an issue when it comes to fitting the ball into a tight window. This is the main point Harrison was making, as defenders can now get to the football to break up passes or pick the ball off. 

Rodgers is a player with a ton of experience and wisdom, so if he doesn't feel like he can make certain throws, he probably won't attempt them. This is going to put more pressure on the wide receivers in Pittsburgh to create more separation, which will make life easier for Rodgers when it comes to reading the defense and finding completions.

Steelers Have More Issues To Worry About With Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers' skills aren't as much of a worry as whether or not he will be protected. Pittsburgh has a young offensive line and some changes have been made since the 2024 season. Broderick Jones is moving back to his natural position at left tackle after spending the majority of the last two years at right tackle, and Troy Fautanu is starting at right tackle after playing in just one game during his rookie year. Both tackles improved throughout training camp and seem to have taken steps forward, but it will be interesting to see how the unit performs in protecting their veteran quarterback.

Pittsburgh needs Rodgers to play well, but it is just as important that the players around him are able to execute.

What do you think about Harrison's concerns regarding Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!

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