The Pittsburgh Steelers won relatively easily on Sunday afternoon as the Cincinnati Bengals' offense was stopped in its tracks. In an unexpected twist, the offense for Mike Tomlin was led by Mason Rudolph in the second half, with Aaron Rodgers departing the contest due to a left wrist injury. The veteran felt back on a play in the second quarter and seemed to have tried to break his fall with his wrist. The good news is that the issue is not with the quarterback's throwing hand, but regardless, the 41-year-old may not be ready to play in Week 12 if the diagnosis is unfortunate.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on with intense focus in street clothes as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers fans enjoyed watching Rudolph play in the second half, as the seasoned backup signal-caller threw for 127 yards and a touchdown. The defense for Pittsburgh stole the show, but the offense looked pretty formidable with Rudolph under center. That may be a reality moving forward; at least for a game or two. Adam Schefter has officially reported that Rodgers broke his left wrist.
The initial concern is that Aaron Rodgers has, in the words of one source, “a slight break” his left wrist, but the Steelers quarterback will underdgo further testing Monday to determine the full extent of the injury and how long he’ll be sidelined, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/Or2YHzFMBk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025
Pittsburgh trusts Rudolph to perform in key situations, which is why the organization brought him back to town for the 2025 season. He signed a two-year contract and could be counted on if Rodgers' testing on Monday reveals that he will have to miss one, or multiple, contests. It comes at an interesting time for the Steelers due to Rodgers' rough Week 10 outing.
Rudolph found some success during the second half against the Bengals and, most importantly, took care of the football. The offensive line performed at a much higher level compared to when Rodgers was in the game, and that proved to be beneficial for the team as a whole. There won't be a quarterback competition in the Steel City, but Rudolph could have an opportunity to prove himself once again.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (#2) makes a throw during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rudolph has experience performing for the Steelers at the latter end of a season. In 2023, he was one of the main reasons why Pittsburgh slipped into the playoffs after injuries and inconsistencies flooded the quarterback room. He will look to use that experience to lead the offense, depending on how much time Rodgers does miss, if any. Ian Rapoport noted that there is some optimism, despite the break.
Aaron Rodgers has indicated to people close to him that he’ll be back soon. Initial testing would support that, but more coming. https://t.co/pzTrcRH9si
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2025
Pittsburgh will likely know a lot more regarding Rodgers' status and his availability moving forward after more testing is done, but it's important to note that, at his age, he will not be rushed back. The Steelers have faith in Rudolph, and he will be the starting signal-caller if the team's medical personnel sees it as necessary for the future Hall of Famer to take some time off.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) points in the direction of one of his teammates as the group practices during a 2025 training camp work out at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Have A Tough Road Test To Prepare For With The Chicago Bears On The Horizon
The Chicago Bears are currently sitting at 7-3 after a win in Week 11. Pittsburgh has to travel to the Windy City in what will be a highly-anticipated matchup. Despite it being an out-of-conference showdown, both teams will look to get a win with December right around the corner. Time will tell what Rodgers' wrist injury will allow, or disallow, him from doing, but all signs point to Rudolph getting an opportunity to start when the Steelers take on the Bears.
Do you think that the Steelers can beat the Bears with Rudolph under center? Let us know in the comments below!
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