Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a fractured left wrist injury sustained in Week 11, casting uncertainty over his status for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. The veteran QB plans to attempt practice on Thursday after focusing on rehab Wednesday, emphasizing safety over pain tolerance. If unable to play, Mason Rudolph steps in as backup.
Aaron Rodgers suffered a fractured left wrist in the first half of the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury, on his non-throwing hand, led to him missing Wednesday's practice, where he instead worked on rehab with head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah. Rodgers expressed motivation to return, stating, “Was thankful to get the day and work with [head trainer Gabe Amponsah] and just focus on rehab for a day. Try to get back on the field tomorrow and see what I can do.”
Rodgers highlighted challenges like taking snaps under center, noting he's currently more comfortable in shotgun formation. Per offensive charting, he's taken 185 snaps under center and 386 from shotgun this season. His goal remains operating from under center, potentially using pistol sets if needed. He described playing through the injury as more a "safety" issue than pain tolerance: “Got to get the OK, got to feel like I can protect myself.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed no surgery is required and that Rodgers' availability will be decided day by day, with Friday's practice pivotal. Tomlin noted Rodgers' self-assessment and pain management as key factors, adding that if cleared by doctors, he'll start. Rodgers wanted to re-enter last Sunday's game but was held back.
Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, who played through a 2007 left elbow dislocation, believes Rodgers can adapt. “I think the biggest challenge, just from a playing standpoint, would be handoffs,” Warner said. “When I dislocated my left elbow back in ’07, I handed off with my right hand in both directions. Without a doubt, I think that’s something Aaron Rodgers could do and get comfortable with.”
If Rodgers sits, Mason Rudolph impressed in relief last week, completing 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. The 6-4 Steelers face a 7-3 Bears team that's won seven of its last eight but lacks wins over .500 opponents. Rodgers, a longtime Bears nemesis from his Green Bay Packers days, reflected on the rivalry: “It's a great rivalry... There's been some great memories there.” With six games left in what may be his final NFL season, Rodgers is eager to play.
