The Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off in NFL Preseason Week 2 on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET (12:00 a.m. WAT).
This game won’t feature many of the biggest stars, but it offers a chance for rookies and depth players to fight for roster spots.
Steelers Preview
Head coach Mike Tomlin is resting nearly all of his starters. Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward will not play.
Instead, all eyes will be on players battling for jobs. Among them:
• Skylar Thompson (QB) – competing for a backup role
• Jaylen Warren & Kaleb Johnson (RBs) – pushing for backfield depth
• Max Hurleman (WR, rookie) – looking to impress as a pass-catching option
• Derrick Harmon (DT, rookie) – trying to carve out a defensive line role
Buccaneers Preview
Tampa Bay will also sit some stars, including Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Lavonte David.
Defensively, though, several key contributors are expected to see action:
• Calijah Kancey (DT) – disruptive force up front
• Haason Reddick (LB) – newly added pass rusher
• Kindle Vildor & Jacob Parrish (CBs) – secondary competition
• Christian Izien & Shilo Sanders (DBs) – fighting for key defensive snaps
Game Info
• Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET | 6:00 p.m. CT | 12:00 a.m. WAT
• Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
How to Watch & Listen
• TV (Pittsburgh): KDKA-TV (CBS)
• TV (Tampa Bay): WFLA (local broadcast)
• National Streaming: NFL+ Premium (US), DAZN Game Pass (international)
• Radio:
• Pittsburgh – WDVE 102.5 FM / WBGG 970 AM
• Tampa Bay – WXTB 97.9 FM
• Replay: NFL Network, Monday at 3:00 p.m. ET
What to Watch For
This matchup may lack household names, but it’s an important night for young players trying to secure roster spots. The Steelers will showcase backup QBs and rookie talent, while the Buccaneers’ defense looks to sharpen ahead of the regular season.
Expect a scrappy, competitive game full of roster battles.
