PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s been different since the NFL switched to three preseason games, it used to be the starters rarely played in the final preseason game when there were four. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is making almost everyone available Thursday in Carolina.
Only four players won’t play in the final preseason game
· Cam Heyward (who was in full uniform Thursday)
· Aaron Rodgers
· TJ Watt
“Everyone else is under consideration and they are preparing as if they are going to play,” Tomlin said. “There are a lot of variables in it. Who is playing for Carolina and things of that nature that might provide worthy competition. But as I sit here today, all healthy outside of the four that I mentioned are preparing and scheduled to play.”
Tomlin did say they might alter that. He wants to see the secondary on the field during a game.
“I’m not worried about the overall readiness of the collective, but I just think cohesion is such a major component of what they do,” Tomlin said. “The ability to communicate, communicate in stadium. It’s the same reason why our young offensive front has been working. I am excited about maybe seeing that secondary in a stadium.”
Linebacker Alex Highsmith was in team drills, receiver Calvin Austin and rookie corner/returner Donte Kent are working their way back. All three are in consideration to play Thursday night.
Asked if he was concerned about his starting quarterback not playing at all in the preseason.
“I'm comfortable with what I'm seeing out here,” Tomlin said. “Obviously, if I weren't, I would be playing him.”