The Steelers won’t play a bunch of starters and other notable players in Friday night’s preseason opener vs. the Lions.
Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Wednesday that the list of players who will sit includes quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running backs Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams, wide receivers Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton, center Maurkice Pouncey and first-round rookie cornerback Artie Burns.
Bell is facing a four-game suspension to start the regular season, and Williams is proven as his backup so the Steelers don’t need to take any chances. Pouncey is being brought back slowly after missing all of last season, and there’s simply no reason to risk it with the others.
Burns has been out since early in camp due to injury. The Steelers have a few young defensive backs, including rookie Sean Davis and second-year man Doran Grant, who need extra reps and will get them Friday.
The Steelers and Lions held two days of joint practices this week.