Overview
- On Wednesday Ben Roethlisberger publicly criticized Mike McCarthy’s reported plan to play Aaron Rodgers roughly 30–40 total snaps in early preseason games.
- Aaron Rodgers confirmed McCarthy asked him to take about 30–40 plays and said he would play if the coach wants him to, though he did not say he wanted to do so.
- McCarthy has not made a final decision and told reporters the team will decide closer to the preseason start, leaving the plan unresolved ahead of the Aug. 13, Aug. 21 and Aug. 27 exhibition dates.
- Roethlisberger argued heavy preseason snaps for Rodgers would reduce live reps for backups Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar and limit their evaluation under game speed.
- The debate is sharpened by Rodgers’ age and injury history, his announced final season at 42, and McCarthy’s aim to install or refine the offense before the regular season.