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.
"You turn the ball over, you're going to reduce your chances of winning. I thought we stalled a lot of drives offensively with penalties that put us behind the sticks and put us in a less than advantageous possession down. I think we were 0-5 at the half as an example of that.
"We got a penalty, roughing the kicker, where they were settling for three and we put them back on the field and eventually got a touchdown. You lose games when things like that happen. We lost leverage in the red zone and some passes there early on allowed them to score seven, and we've got to make people settle for three on the short field. We spend too much time working in the short field. We understand how important leverage is in that space, but we didn't execute it.
"So, there will be a lot to learn obviously from this game because of that. There certainly were some positive things. I thought several players took a step forward, two young guys in particular. (Derrick) Harmon and Kaleb Johnson really took a step forward off their first performance. Again, that's a reasonable thing to expect. The second time stepping into a stadium you see more of their talents. I think we talked about that a couple days ago in anticipation 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.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 2 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and defensive back Kyler McMichael (37) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson (11) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (85) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A fan waves the Terrible Towel during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Kyler McMichael (37) Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (3) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Acrisure Stadium during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Stadium view during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Andrus Peat (68) and offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Skylar Thompson (17) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (91) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Julius Welschof (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Chuck Clark (21), linebacker Malik Harrison (50) and linebacker Julius Welschof (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Daryl Porter (39) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Daryl Porter (39) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50), linebacker Mark Robinson (93) and, safety Quindell Johnson (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Quindell Johnson (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (3) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Ben Sauls (29) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Quindell Johnson (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Kyler McMichael (37) Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (91) Pittsburgh Steelers safety Quindell Johnson (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Logan Woodside (6) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Lew Nichols (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Logan Woodside (6) Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Steven Jones (79) Pittsburgh Steelers running back Evan Hull (38) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Kyler McMichael (37) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (17) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Logan Woodside (6) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) and offensive tackle Gareth Warren (78) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (91), running back Kaleb Johnson (20), offensive tackle Gareth Warren (78) and safety Sebastian Castro (29) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers kicked off to start the game, with Chris Boswell seeing his first action of the preseason, booting it 63 yards. The Bucs started at the 25-yard line, and Bucky Irving was stuffed for a one-yard loss by Brandin Echols. Irving managed just one yard on the next carry, before he was met by linebacker Cole Holcomb. Bucs quarterback Teddy Bridgewater escaped the pressure from linebacker Nick Herbig and hit Sterling Shepard for a seven-yard gain, before he was taken down by Echols to force a punt.
Rudolph opened things up for the Steelers with a short pass to Kenneth Gainwell for a two-yard gain. On the next play, though, the Bucs defense stepped up and Rudolph's pass that was intended for Roman Wilson, was intercepted by Zyon McCollum, who returned it 12 yards to the Steelers 48-yard line.
The Steelers defense had the Bucs in a third-and-eight situation after Keeanu Benton batted down a Bridgewater pass. Bridgewater came firing right back, hitting Jalen McMillian for an 18-yard completion to the Steelers 28-yard line. McMillian was injured on the play, staying down on the field for an extended period before he was able to walk off under his own power.
The Bucs drive would stall, with the Steelers forcing them to attempt a 43-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin. On the field goal attempt, D'Shawn Jamison was called for roughing the kicker, giving the Bucs the ball at the 12-yard line and new life. The Bucs made the Steelers pay when Bridgewater hit Irving in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown and 7-0 lead, on a drive that was eight plays, 48 yards and took 2:36.
On the ensuing drive, the Steelers were forced to go three-and-out, when Rudolph's scramble on third down came up one yard short.
Corliss Waitman punted 60 yards, but Bucs receiver Tez Johnson took it 37 yards to the Tampa 45-yard line, before he was brought down by long snapper Christian Kuntz, who suffered a chest injury on the play. Bridgewater completed a 13-yard pass to Shepard, but the defense was able to tighten up and force a fourth-and-six. The Bucs kept their offense on the field, and it paid off when Bridgewater hit Shepard for a 27-yard gain to the 11-yard line. The Bucs went up 14-0 when Bridgewater connected with Emeka Egbuka for a five-yard touchdown, with the game still in the first quarter.
The Steelers offense came to life when Rudolph went deep to Wilson for a 42-yard completion to the Tampa 21-yard line. A pass interference call on the Bucs gave the Steelers the ball on the two-yard line. Rudolph hit a wide open Brandon Johnson in the end zone for a two-yard touchdown. Rookie kicker Ben Sauls, with defensive lineman Logan Lee snapping, hit the extra point, cutting the lead in half, 14-7.
Kyle Trask came in at quarterback for the Bucs and didn't stand a chance when rookie No. 1 pick Derrick Harmon sacked him for an 11-yard loss, forcing a punt.
"Really just playing within the defense, trying to do my best to help the team out to the best of my ability," said Harmon about the sack. "First sack as a rookie, felt good. It's the preseason so just ready to get that one in the regular season. That's it.
"Week one was kind of rough for me. I took a big...not a big jump, but just more trusted my ability in the second game. Still a lot of work to do in the back end. Still a lot of work as far as me individually and the team, so just ready to get back to the work."
The Steelers also made a change at quarterback, with Skylar Thompson stepping in behind center with 29 seconds to play in the first quarter. Thompson immediately went to work, hitting Wilson for a 30-yard gain to the 49-yard line. Thompson came right back with a 15-yard completion to Scotty Miller, who ran out of bounds at the Tampa 39-yard line. That would be it for the drive, though. After an incompletion to Wilson and a one-yard run by Kaleb Johnson, Thompson was sacked for a seven-yard loss, forcing a punt.
The defense took care of business, getting the ball back in the hands of Thomspon and company. Kaleb Johnson had his best run of the preseason with a 14-yard gain off right guard, and on fourth-and-one, Thompson hit Connor Heyward for a one-yard gain to move the chains. Kaleb Johnson pulled in a nine-yard reception, and Thompson connected with Miller for 23 yards. A short completion to JJ Galbreath for five yards gave the Steelers the ball at the 13-yard line. Things took a turn, though, when Thompson's pass, intended for Lance McCutheon, was intercepted by Kindle Vildor at the Tampa seven-yard line.
Both teams exchanged possessions before the half came to an end, sending the Bucs into the locker room up, 14-7.
Thompson remained at quarterback to start the second half, completing a 12-yard pass to Gailbreath to get things rolling. After a 10-yard penalty backed them up, Thompson scrambled for a six-yard gain. An incompletion, and a four-yard completion to Trey Sermon weren't enough, forcing a punt.
The third quarter didn't have a lot of action, until Max Hurleman recovered a muffed punt return by the Bus at the Tampa 21-yard line. Kaleb Johnson rushed for nine yards, followed by an eight-yard run. Sermon took it into the end zone on a two-yard run, tying the game, 14-14 with 3:30 to play in the quarter.
In a game where a splash play can make a difference for a young player, running back Lew Nichols did just that. Nichols broke free for a 37-yard gain to the Tampa 43-yard line. Woodside hit Roc Taylor for a 12-yard gain, and Nichols held on for a six-yard reception. The offense wasn't able to convert, and Sauls 23-yard field goal attempt went wide right.
Another splash play came when D'Shawn Jamison forced a fumble and Quindell Johnson recovered, giving the offense the ball back. Despite the opportunity, the offense wasn't able to take advantage, running the ball over on downs.
The game came down to the final play, when McLaughlin hit a 42-yard field goal with time running out for the 17-14 win.
Injury Update: From Coach Tomlin: "From a health standpoint, Christian Kuntz had a chest injury that's being evaluated. Gareth Warren is being evaluated for a concussion. Then we got some other bumps and bruises associated with play, many of which worked their way back into the game."
Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
