{
  "id": 229476,
  "title": "‘Taking a step’ – Aaron Rodgers sent warning as Mike McCarthy hails another Steelers QB at training camp",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/taking-a-step-aaron-rodgers-sent-warning-as-mike-mccarthy-hails",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-06T17:50:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/taking-step-aaron-rodgers-sent-175054434.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Pittsburgh Steelers are weighing potential competition for their starting quarterback position for the 2026 NFL season, despite current expectations that Aaron Rodgers will lead the team. Rodgers is anticipated to be the first-string QB, ahead of backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. However, rookie quarterback Drew Allar, a third-round pick from Penn State, could pose an unexpected challenge. Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism about Allar's progress during training camp, noting that he has witnessed \"a young man taking a step\" in every throw he has made. McCarthy believes that if Allar continues to demonstrate improvement, he may potentially move up the depth chart and even start later in the season if Rodgers and the team encounter difficulties.",
  "summary": "Aaron Rodgers could face fresh competition for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback position next season. Rodgers is currently expected to be at the top of the Steelers’ QB depth chart, ahead of Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.",
  "key_points": [
    "Aaron Rodgers expected to start for Steelers in 2026 season.",
    "Rookie QB Drew Allar shows improvement during training camp.",
    "Mike McCarthy optimistic about Allar's progress and potential start."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Coach Mike McCarthy's praise for Drew Allar suggests that the rookie could accelerate up the Steelers' quarterback depth chart and potentially start if Aaron Rodgers struggles.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Aaron Rodgers’ Madden rating every season of his NFL career",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/aaron-rodgers-madden-rating-every-season-of-his-nfl-career",
        "published": "2026-08-05T17:03:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}