Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a limited practice participant on Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable on the official injury report for Sunday’s game against the Bears. He has been dealing with a fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist.
Rodgers said on Wednesday (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor) that his priority is “safety” rather than pain management, suggesting that he is more concerned about sustaining additional damage to his wrist than he is about playing through discomfort. The 41-year-old quarterback was seen wearing protective gear on his left wrist during practice this week, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
When asked about a more specific timeline for making a decision, Rodgers deferred to head coach Mike Tomlin.
Mason Rudolph will start on Sunday if Rodgers cannot go. The six-year veteran had two brief relief appearances earlier this season and an extended showing in Week 11 after Rodgers’ injury. Rudolph played well to close out a win over the Bengals, completing 12 of his 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, though that did come against the worst defense in the NFL.
The Bears have a bottom-10 defense and rank 30th with 6.2 yards per play allowed, but they lead the league with 22 takeaways. That sets up a somewhat simple challenge for Rudolph: take care of the football. In Chicago’s seven wins, they have forced 20 turnovers; in their three losses, they have forced just one.
If Rodgers does not play on Sunday, he seems trending towards a return in Week 13 against the Bills in a matchup that could have significant implications for AFC playoff seedings.
At the outset, I don’t think Rudolph is a better QB than Rodgers and understand the Steelers got the old guy to not only get them into the playoffs but perhaps win a game, as well. So to me, playing Rodgers in this game is a recipe for disaster. Let the guy heal and get ready for whatever stretch run this team has ahead
I like Rudolph. Given the way Rodgers has played recently, there’s not too much of a drop off with him and he stands in there and isn’t afraid to take a hit as he looks to throw downfield
I dunno. If Rodgers goes down, they essentially torpedoed their reason for signing him with the Bills, Ravens twice and Lions still to come
Pretty much agreed. I think that if there’s any question of Rodgers making the injury worse by playing, don’t play him. Rudolph can win them a game or two, but Rodgers is still who they will need.
I will say that I appreciate Aaron’s attitude and approach towards this injury. He’s being very team-centric for a guy who has gained the reputation of being self-absorbed. He’s not trying to put himself on the field if he’s not the best or safest option to win.
With or without Rodgers, this team isn’t going anywhere. Well past time for a makeover esp aging and overpriced D, and HC.
At his age it’s a risk to his safety every time he drops back