Steelers Take Reps From Aaron Rodgers Due to Mike McCarthy's 'Challenge'

In order to jam four quality quarterbacks onto the 90-man roster this spring, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is making some adjustments to the practice regimen during OTAs. 

On Tuesday, the Steelers practiced situational football, running a two-minute drill during 7-on-7. McCarthy put Rodgers on the sideline for the drill, noting that it was a "challenge" to find enough reps at practice for Will Howard, Drew Allar, and Mason Rudolph.

"The challenge, frankly, is trying to find reps for these guys," McCarthy said, via the Steelers. "For instance, today, we have three two-minute drills in 7-on-7. 

"We're going to let Mason [Rudolph] and the two young guys take it, so we're trying to balance that out."

Instead of giving Rodgers more opportunities to work with his new receivers, the Steelers are giving Rudolph more chances to prove he can be the guy to save the season if QB1 has to miss a game or two.

Even if Rodgers is a spectator at some parts of OTAs, McCarthy thinks the four-time NFL MVP has been a help to all three quarterbacks trying to make the 53-man roster for the fall. McCarthy

"Obviously, with Aaron Rodgers, the experience and what he brings to the table — I'm not just talking about playing between the white lines, but what he can add to a conversation in the quarterback room — has been extremely valuable for our younger players," McCarthy said. 

McCarthy noted that his "appreciation" for Rudolph has grown this spring. He thinks Allar and Howard have learned a great deal before training camp starts next month.

"Will and Drew are just soaking it up, frankly," McCarthy said. "They're just soaking it up and they've done a really good job in that aspect of it, too."

The Steelers will have to make a decision on Howard and Rudolph at some point this summer, and the sooner the better, so McCarthy can dish out reps accordingly. 

Hinging the offseason on the hopes a backup quarterback can win a Super Bowl with this roster was always a ridiculous notion. It's Rodgers or bust, and he needs to be in his best form to bring the Vince Lombardi Trophy home to Pittsburgh.