The Steelers lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17-14, at Acrisure Stadium on a last second field goal in their second preseason game.
“There is nothing mystical at all about the outcome of games,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “We determine how games unfold. Taking nothing from the Bucs. We have had a couple of good days of work with those guys. Respect Coach (Todd) Bowles and their program, but it was self-inflicted wounds for us tonight that determined the outcome of the game.”
As is often the case in the preseason, the Steelers were without a good chunk of their starters against the Buccaneers. Tomlin chose to sit multiple players, including T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, DeShon Elliott, and Patrick Queen on the defensive side. On offense, Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Jaylen Warren and Isaac Seumalo also didn’t play.
Linebacker Nick Herbig, who was rested last week along with the veterans, started the game but left early with a hamstring injury, although Tomlin said after the game he was okay.
Mason Rudolph started for the second straight week, while Skylar Thompson stepped in as his backup. Logan Woodside took over at quarterback at the end of the third quarter.
Rudolph finished the game completing three of five passes for 46 yards and a touchdown. He also had one carry for seven yards.
Thompson finished the night completing 10 of 15 passes for 113 yards, and three carries for eight yards.
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