ESPN analyst reveals what it would take for Steelers to bench Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped to 1-1 in the 2026 season after a Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots . Aaron Rodgers and the offense struggled again, this time not being bailed out by a terrible offense on the other side of the ball.

Rodgers struggled again in Week 2, and it wouldn't be a surprise if some Steelers fans began bringing up the question of benching him this season. But such an aggressive decision isn't likely to come.

But when could Rodgers get benched, if there is a scenario for the Steelers to bench him? ESPN's Dan Graziano revealed what it would take for Pittsburgh to bench Rodgers in his last NFL season.

ESPN analyst reveals when Steelers could bench Aaron Rodgers

"I simply do not believe that McCarthy would bench Rodgers in his final season for Mason Rudolph , Will Howard , or Drew Allar -- at least not until the Steelers are eliminated from postseason contention," Graziano writes.

So long as the Steelers have a chance to make the postseason, Rodgers will be the starter, according to Graziano. This should not be a surprise.

It's Rodgers' last season in the NFL before he retires. It would be shocking if Rodgers were benched in the middle of the season. His history should give him plenty of leash when it comes to being the Steelers' starting quarterback.

While there might be questions about how good he'll be on a weekly basis, the Steelers should be expected to stick by Rodgers until their playoff hopes are over.

As interesting as it would be to see Howard or Allar, two young quarterbacks, step into a starting role in regular-season games, that is reserved for the end of the season.

If the Steelers are eliminated from playoff contention, Rodgers could be benched to get a look at a younger quarterback. But such a scenario won't happen until much later this year.

Steelers fans should expect to see Rodgers remain as the starter going forward, even if he continues to struggle as he has through the first two weeks of the 2026 season.