New York Jets vs Pittsburgh Steelers Game Thread

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 14: David Bailey #31 of the New York Jets during the pre-season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 14, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The New York Jets are on the road in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tonight to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second preseason game of 2026 for both teams. Kickoff is scheduled for shortly after 7 pm EDT.

Starters for both teams will see action tonight, although Aaron Rodgers will be taking the night off with the Steelers. Once the starters exit the game we get to watch a bunch of back of the roster type players play marginal NFL football while fighting for the final open roster spots. Tonight is a big night for the so-called bubble players.

The biggest thing for the two teams will be coming out of this game without any serious injuries, if fortune allows. For the bubble players, it's an audition, not just for their respective teams, but for every team in the NFL. With the shortened preseason schedule there are few opportunities to put good things on tape for the rest of the league to see. Tonight is one of those opportunities. Players who don't end up making it through final cuts have a chance here to showcase their skills for the entire league, which might earn them a shot with a different franchise down the road.

One thing to keep an eye on is the order of when players enter the game. This tends to correspond pretty closely to the team's depth chart, so we get a glimpse at who might be leading their positions in the battles for roster spots. Wide receiver, safety and cornerback are positions to keep an eye on in that respect.

It's the Jets and the Steelers in the second of three preseason games for both teams.

Enjoy the game everybody.