Pittsburgh Steelers fans received surprising news this Tuesday as head coach Mike Tomlin revealed that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers might still take the field this Sunday despite suffering a fractured left wrist during last weekend's victory over Cincinnati.
Unexpected Injury During Bengals Clash
The 41-year-old quarterback, who currently holds the title of the NFL's oldest active player, sustained the injury to his non-throwing wrist late in the first half of Pittsburgh's commanding 32-14 win against the Bengals. Although Rodgers expressed his desire to return to the game, medical staff kept him in the locker room for evaluation while backup Mason Rudolph stepped in to guide the AFC North-leading Steelers to their sixth victory of the season.
Rodgers will not require surgery on the injured wrist, providing some relief for the Steelers organisation. However, his participation in Wednesday's practice session has been ruled out, with future decisions depending entirely on how effectively he adapts to wearing a protective brace and whether it compromises his normal playing capabilities.
Historic Chicago Connection
The potential matchup carries significant historical weight for Rodgers, who developed a formidable reputation against the Bears during his celebrated tenure with the Green Bay Packers. The veteran quarterback boasts an impressive 11-1 record as a starter at Soldier Field, Chicago's home ground, and once famously claimed he "owned" one of the league's most historic franchises.
When questioned about whether Rodgers' dominant history against Chicago would influence the decision to play him, Tomlin dismissed the notion. "Aaron always wants to play. Opponent has nothing to do with it," the coach stated, instead attributing the motivation to "his love affair with the game of football."
Reliable Backup Option Available
Should Rodgers prove unable to play, the Steelers can confidently turn to Mason Rudolph, who demonstrated his capability during the second half against Cincinnati. Rudolph completed 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, effectively maintaining Pittsburgh's offensive momentum against what statistics identify as the NFL's weakest defence.
Tomlin acknowledged Rudolph's proven track record, noting that "he's proven over his time here that he's capable of coming in and playing winning football for us. And that's no small task." The 30-year-old quarterback, now in his second stint with Pittsburgh, memorably led the team to three consecutive victories late in the 2023 season, securing their playoff position.
The exact moment of Rodgers' injury remains unclear, though television footage captured him clutching his wrist following a second-down pass attempt late in the first half. Despite being hit during the play, Rodgers remained in the game for one more incomplete pass before his eventual departure.
Tomlin emphasised that pain tolerance shouldn't present an issue for the four-time MVP, but Rodgers must demonstrate that he can adequately protect himself on the field. The coaching staff plans to closely monitor how the brace affects what Tomlin termed Rodgers' "functionality" before making any final decisions about Sunday's lineup.
The Steelers face additional injury concerns beyond their quarterback situation. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith continues managing a pectoral injury that sidelined him against Cincinnati, while cornerback Darius Slay could return after completing the concussion protocol. Running back Jaylen Warren, who suffered an ankle injury during the third quarter, will practice with limitations this week but might still be available for selection.
Tomlin explained his decision to stick with Kenny Gainwell after Warren's injury, citing the backup's "hot hand" after he accumulated 105 total yards and two receiving touchdowns against the Bengals.
The upcoming game at Soldier Field marks the beginning of a challenging three-week period for Pittsburgh, who currently maintain a precarious one-game advantage over Baltimore in the division standings. Following their Chicago encounter, the Steelers host Buffalo on November 29th before travelling to face the Ravens in early December.
