Steelers Prepare To Open NFL Preseason

PITTSBURGH, PA - It certainly will lack the intensity of an NFL playoff game, or even a regular season matchup. But the Steelers will take the first measurable step in their quest for another Super Bowl title Friday when they open the preseason at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The game will be largely meaningless for veterans like quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who won't even play. But rookies and backups - such as reserve quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who will start in Roethlisberger's place - will have a chance to impress coaches and better their chances of sticking with the team when the real games begin.

The game also will be interesting because it marks the debut of new Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, the Steelers' former offensive coordinator.

The 7:30 p.m. game will be broadcast nationally on the NFL Network. Locally, the game can be seen on KDKA-TV with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m. As usual, Bob Pompeani will do the play-by-play, former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch will provide analysis and Missi Matthews will be the sideline reporter.

If you aren't near a TV, here's something new you can try: Fans within a 75-mile radius of Pittsburgh can view the game on the Steelers official mobile app.