Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Reveals if He Plans to Rest Starters vs Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already punched their ticket to the playoffs, but they are still aiming to secure one more accolade for the 2024 season. That accolade would be to secure the AFC North title. More news: NFL News: AFC Playoff Picture Gets More Complicated With Dolphins Win The issue is the Baltimore Ravens are standing in their way. Should the Ravens defeat the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, they will lock up the division. The interesting thing is that the Steelers play in the late game on the second day against the Cincinnati Bengals. Should the Ravens win early, it would be interesting to see what Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin plans to do. In fact, he gave some insight on his plans for the game. #Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said he hasn’t given much thought to resting players if the Ravens win earlier in the day. He added that it’s something he might consider later, but doesn’t anticipate taking that route. https://t.co/letAYKF7g0 — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 30, 2024 According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, “#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said he hasn’t given much thought to resting players if the Ravens win earlier in the day. He added that it’s something he might consider later, but doesn’t anticipate taking that route.” Tomlin has stated that he has “given much thought” on whether or not he will rest starters. He did state he will consider it later, but not right now. PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in… PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has not revealed if he will rest starters. Joe Sargent/Getty Images Though the Steelers are already heading for the playoffs, they can also still play the part of the villain for the Bengals. Cincinnati needs a lot of help to make the postseason, but a loss to the Steelers would end playoff hopes. Considering the Bengals are one of the Steelers’ biggest rivals, Tomlin might just decide to keep his starters out on the field to take down Cincinnati. Then again, a week of rest could also benefit them greatly in preparing for a tough AFC playoff race. The Steelers will have to potentially face the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, or Houston Texans. All these teams are very tough opponents, so Pittsburgh will need to be on top of their game to make a deep playoff run. More news: NFL News: Confusing NFC Playoff Picture Explained After Commanders Win Russell Wilson has been playing some good football, but he might play even better given a week of rest before he has to face such tough AFC opponents. Tomlin’s decision will likely come sometime later in the week. For now, the Steelers are likely to start preparing as if they are going to go against the Bengals at full strength. It would be a bit surprising if Tomlin chooses to rest starters moments after the Ravens win or lose. For more on the Steelers, head to Newsweek Sports.