Everything You Need to Know About the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2025 NFL Season Kickoff

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the start of the 2025 regular season, which begins on September 7, 2025, with a matchup against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.

Below is a breakdown of Steelers signings, injuries, sanctions, and other significant information for the start of this season.
Signings and Roster Moves
Key Acquisitions:
Aaron Rodgers: The 41-year-old veteran quarterback was acquired as a starter after signing with the Steelers, bringing experience and stability from his time with the Jets. His arrival is intended to lead a revamped offense.
DK Metcalf: Received via trade from the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf signed a contract extension and is emerging as the primary receiver, contributing his ability as a deep threat.
Jalen Ramsey: The star cornerback was signed to bolster a secondary in need of experience, joining after a surprise offseason move.
Jonnu Smith: The tight end was added to provide depth and versatility to the offense under coordinator Arthur Smith.

2025 Draft:
Derrick Harmon (DT): Selected in the first round, Harmon arrives from Oregon with an expected immediate impact as a pass rusher, although his recent injury temporarily limits him.
Other moves include tweaks to the offensive line and receivers, focused on protecting Rodgers and spreading the field.

Other moves:
Robert Woods: Signed as a free agent, although he ended up on the practice squad after final cuts, providing experience as a receiver.
Preston Smith: Acquired via trade from the Green Bay Packers, providing depth on the defensive line.
The Steelers released veterans Chuck Clark, James Pierre, and Trey Sermon in final cuts, bringing the roster down to 53 players.

Injuries
Will Howard (QB): The rookie, a sixth-round pick, suffered a broken hand during training camp and was placed on the injured list (IR), missing at least four games.
Derrick Harmon (DT): Diagnosed with a sprained MCL after a preseason game against the Panthers, he will be out for a month, impacting the starting defensive rotation.
Jaylen Warren (RB): He suffered a concussion in the preseason and is on IR, with the possibility of returning later, impacting the backfield alongside Najee Harris.
Beanie Bishop Jr. (CB): Reported minor injury, but expected to be ready for Week 1, although his role could be limited.
Other outs: Players like Parham (Achilles) and Kuntz (chest) are also on IR, reducing depth in secondary roles.

Sanctions
Rashee Rice (WR): Although not on the current roster, his six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy (related to an incident in 2024) is a reminder of the team's focus on sanctions. It doesn't directly affect the Steelers, but reflects the league's vigilance.
Cole Holcomb (LB): Returns following a contract restructure following an injury in 2024, but faces no current sanctions.
No active suspensions are reported for key players on the 53-man roster at the start of the season.

2025 Season Highlights
Team Expectations: The Steelers are looking to improve on their 10-7 record from 2023 and 2024, with playoff aspirations and breaking their AFC North title drought.
The defense, led by T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, remains a strength, bolstered by Ramsey and Harmon (when he returns).
The offense relies on Rodgers, but his age and limited mobility raise questions, especially with a young and developing offensive line (Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu).

Initial Schedule:
Week 1: Steelers @ Jets (September 7, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Rematch with Rodgers facing his former team.
Week 2: Steelers vs. Seahawks (September 14, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Metcalf makes his home debut against Seattle.
Week 4: Steelers vs. Vikings (September 28, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network): International game in Dublin, Ireland.

Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Elite defense with depth on the line and an improved secondary. Rodgers brings experience.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced offensive line, injury risk for Rodgers, and competition in the backfield following the departure of Justin Fields.

Projections:
A 9-8 to 11-6 record is expected, with playoff potential if Rodgers remains healthy. Mike Tomlin is looking to extend his streak without a losing season.
T.J. Watt is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and Metcalf could excel as a primary receiver.