Steelers' Aaron Rodgers wants receivers to attend meetings, film study with 'an open mind'

When he was asked Sunday night how he can get more in sync with his wide receivers, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the impression that attendance at weekly film study was not perfect.

“When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up,” Rodgers said after the offense managed a season-low 166 yards in a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

On Wednesday, Rodgers clarified his remarks although he left some room for interpretation.

“What I was talking about was during the week we have our meetings on Thursdays, and I meant everybody come there with an open mind and be self-critical and work on the things you’ve got to work on and let’s get better,” Rodgers said before adding, “As far as any of the off-the-field stuff, I’m not going to talk about any of that.”

Tight end Pat Freiermuth said attendance at film review has not been a problem this season.

“Everyone shows up, everyone contributes in a positive manner,” he said. “I think he was more talking about being on the same page with hand signals. We don’t have an issue with guys not showing up. We have to be on the same page with him and what he sees.”

The Steelers possess the NFL’s No. 24-ranked passing offense that averages 187.8 yards per game. Rodgers completed 10 of 21 attempts for 117 yards against Buffalo. DK Metcalf led the Steelers with three catches on five targets. No other wide receiver caught a pass as Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek were a combined 0 for 4 when targeted.

“It comes down to release, having a plan to release, proper depth, proper timing,” Rodgers said. “We tried different things with rub routes and it’s about having a plan at the line of scrimmage and understanding when to be open and the timing of each route. I see improvement from those guys. It just hasn’t shown up consistently the past few weeks.”

For the third Wednesday in a row, Rodgers did not practice while allowing his fractured left wrist to heal. The injury hasn’t permitted him to take snaps from under center, a box he wants to check off before the Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.

“I appreciate the extra day off,” Rodgers said. “I love to practice, so I hate missing practice, but dealing with what I’m dealing with, it helps to get another day without any pounding on the bones in there. We’ll see what happens. I would love to be under center. That will probably be a later in the week decision. I didn’t come out of the game any worse for wear.”