Aaron Rodgers (Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers is expected to be under center when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons today, September 13, in their 2026 season opener. The latest Week 1 injury information does not list Rodgers with an injury designation. Now 42, he returns for another season with Pittsburgh after leading the Steelers to the AFC North title in 2025. He finished last season with 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. The Steelers and Falcons kick off today at 1 p.m.
Because this is not simply another season opener for Rodgers, the matchup carries plenty of attention. The veteran quarterback enters his 22nd NFL season and has already confirmed that it will be his final campaign.
It’s unbelievable,” Stefanski said. “I witnessed some unbelievable things that he’s able to do in terms of running right, throwing left across your body on the money 40 yards down the field,” Stefanski recalled. “Any experience you get, any reps you get, you get better as a thinker, you get better as a processor,” Stefanski previewed Rodgers before Sunday.
With Rodgers healthy and ready, attention now turns to whether he can begin his retirement tour with a win. Yes. The Steelers finished their preparations with only cornerback Joey Porter Jr. listed as questionable, leaving Rodgers in line to start at Acrisure Stadium. It is the beginning of what he has repeatedly described as his final NFL season. Rodgers has spent more than two decades in the league, winning four MVP awards and a Super Bowl. Those numbers show why Atlanta cannot afford to treat his age as a weakness. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski knows that better than most. He spent years watching Rodgers compete against the Minnesota Vikings when Rodgers was with the Green Bay Packers. “He still can make every single throw. He’s got as good an arm as anybody I’ve ever seen live. “He can beat you with his mind. He’s just a terrific player. The Falcons will have to deal with more than Rodgers’ arm. Stefanski believes the quarterback’s experience could make him particularly difficult to fool. “I’ve had a front row seat. He’s a Hall of Famer. You guys know how great he is. We respect the player that he is and the ways he can beat you. Rodgers also has some imposing weapons around him. Pittsburgh added former All-Pro receiver DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., giving the veteran quarterback two big targets on the outside. Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle are expected to share much of the work in the backfield. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Stefanski also pointed to Rodgers’ ability to process defenses after years of NFL experience. “At this point in his career, you’re not going to fool him, you’re not going to show him something he’s ever seen before. You’re just going to have to be about your business and understand that he’s a great player; he will make his players. And I think that’s from his physical ability and the amount of reps that he’s had at this game makes his processing so elite. ET at Acrisure Stadium , with the game airing on FOX. For Rodgers, it is the first step in his final NFL journey. For Atlanta, it is an early test against one of the most experienced quarterbacks the league has ever seen. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Aaron Rodgers is expected to play against the Atlanta Falcons today.