LATROBE, Pa. (AP) \u2014 Aaron Rodgers is still feeling things out in Pittsburgh, in more ways than one.<\/p>\n
The NFL\u2019s oldest player, who wrapped up his initial (and likely only) training camp with the Steelers at Saint Vincent College on Tuesday, is still searching for the right helmet.<\/p>\n
The league banned the helmet Rodgers has long preferred because it didn\u2019t meet certain safety standards. He\u2019s not exactly enthralled with the replacement he\u2019s been using.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m trying to change (it),\u201d Rodgers told reporters. \u201cWe\u2019re in the process still. It looks like a damn spaceship out there. We\u2019ve got to change it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 41-year-old pointed out that the facemask he has used in the past, which he\u2019s still trying to use now, doesn\u2019t fit. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt an old facemask, just like I\u2019m old,\u201d Rodgers said. \u201cBut we\u2019re trying to find the right helmet now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rodgers will have to get comfortable being a little uncomfortable until the team figures out a solution. He \u2014 and his current helmet \u2014 could get meaningful reps against another club for the first time on Thursday when the Steelers and Tampa Bay hold a joint practice ahead of the Buccaneers\u2019 visit to Acrisure Stadium on Saturday.<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s unclear whether Rodgers will play in either of Pittsburgh\u2019s two remaining preseason games, he is eager to get behind center against Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good to go against a different team (because) … you get a chance to go against not-vanilla defenses,\u201d he said. \u201cSo hopefully (Tampa Bay coach) Todd (Bowles), he probably won\u2019t show everything, but he\u2019ll do some stuff to stress our protection and give us a chance to get some film to work on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh\u2019s offense \u2014 without Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf or running back Jaylen Warren \u2014 put up 31 points last weekend in an exhibition victory over Jacksonville. Rodgers praised the efficiency of backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. He also got a feel for what the \u201coperation\u201d might look like when he gets on the field. <\/p>\n
Rodgers also did his best to be what he called \u201cthe voice of reason\u201d on the headset.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes people freak out on there and start yelling and screaming,\u201d the four-time NFL MVP said, with more than a hint of his dry humor. \u201cOr other times, people are talking that shouldn\u2019t be talking. But I\u2019m more of the comic relief on there.\u201d<\/p>\n
All kidding aside, Rodgers believes the offense has made some progress since the rocky opening days of camp. Perhaps just as importantly, he\u2019s made it a point to try and get to know his new teammates, some of whom were toddlers (if that) when Rodgers entered the league 20 years ago.<\/p>\n
That includes popping up in different spots when the team goes out to stretch before practice, which allows him to chat informally <\/p>\n
\u201cSo many times I feel like the expectation is that leaders have got to be at the front of line,\u201d Rodgers said. \u201cBut you know, sometimes to lead properly you have to serve and serving sometimes involves you being at the back.\u201d <\/p>\n
It also provides him with a different and welcome perspective on what the vibe might be like on a given day.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t need to be out front the entire time when I\u2019m here,\u201d he said. \u201cI want to make connections with the guys, and sometimes those guys hanging in the back are hanging in back for a reason. So those are the conversations I want to have.\u201d<\/p>\n
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