Mike Tomlin announces Pittsburgh Steelers starting decision over 5 veteran stars that includes Aaron Rodgers

PITTSBURGH Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has made a final decision over the team’s second preseason game.

Head coach Tomlin confirmed starters including Aaron Rodgers will not be on the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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AP

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Alex Highsmith has also been left out of the next pre-season game[/caption]

The list of high-profile veterans who will be sidelined is enough to raise eyebrows across the league with stars like Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, T.J. 

Watt, Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward all set to sit this one out.

Rodgers, the four-time MVP, known for his laser-accurate passes, won’t take the field as the Steelers gear up for their second preseason clash.

Metcalf, the Seahawks’ powerhouse wide receiver, has been a game-changer in recent seasons but Tomlin’s plan is to keep him off the gridiron this time.

Defensive stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, two of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushers, will also watch from the sidelines, giving fans little to cheer for during the game.

Cam Heyward, the veteran Steelers defensive lineman, has been a key anchor for Pittsburgh’s defense over the years but even he won’t see any action this week.

Tomlin explained that it’s about “prioritizing long-term health” and making sure that his veterans don’t risk injury in these largely meaningless pre-season games.

Despite the absence of these big names, Tomlin has faith in his younger players to step up and prove themselves.

He told reporters, “Some of those veteran guys I mentioned have been doing it for a long time.

“Particularly at a high level, coupled with the fact that I’ve liked what I’ve seen from them in a practice setting.

“So it’s a chance for the others to step up too.”

Tomlin spoke to media after the Steelers beat the Jacksonville Jaguars last weekend.

But, much to his surprise, there was not a single question to answer after the 31-25 win.

Tomlin delivered his opening statement but was excused early as nobody had a question to ask him.

In footage that has circled online, a member of the Steelers PR team could be heard saying: “Anyone?”

Tomlin, cracking a smile, said “thank you” and made an early exit.