Steelers' Controversial QB Decision For Week 12 Ignites As Mike Tomlin's Trust In Mason Rudolph Is Questioned

The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a decisive victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL regular season, winning 34-12 in a match where the offense did everything they needed to do against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers performed admirably, throwing for 116 yards and a touchdown prior to the unfortunate moment when he was forced to leave the game with a wrist injury. Ultimately, it was ruled that Rodgers wouldn't be allowed to play the rest of the game, and his current status for the Steelers' upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears is up in the air.

After Rodgers was ruled out of the game, Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph stepped in and held his own against the Bengals, throwing for 127 yards and a touchdown on two second half possessions. This kept the Steelers afloat long enough to ultimately win the game. However, the Steelers will be forced to make a decision regarding which quarterback should start against the Bears this Sunday. The team will assess Rodgers' progress with his wrist injury, and may let him start if the injury has no risk of becoming worse should he take another hit on the injured body part.

However, the potential of Rodgers' injury being complicated could be reason enough to avoid starting him and allowing Rudolph to play against the Bears. The fact that the team is questioning who to start raises a plethora of questions among both fans and the media, and this question was brought up on the latest episode of the Kaboly + Mack show that aired earlier on Wednesday. Insider Mark Kaboly mentioned why the Steelers may be waiting longer than normal to make a decision on which quarterback to start.

"I just don't think that he's willing to give up a game, any game, at this point in his career," Kaboly said. "And I'm very skeptical of Tomlin saying, 'No, you're not playing, for the betterment of this team.' Even though we know Mason can put together a victory. Honestly, deep down inside, do you think Mike Tomlin really trusts Mason Rudolph?"

Kaboly referencing that Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin might not fully trust in a healthy Rudolph over a slightly injured Rodgers speaks volumes to why the Steelers signed Rodgers in the first place. The Steelers had signed Rudolph prior to signing Rodgers in the 2025 NFL offseason, but this was because they knew Rodgers could potentially miss time with an injury. Even so, the idea of starting a healthy Rudolph to allow Rodgers time to heal prior to the most important stretch of the season should not be much of a debate, especially seeing as how Rodgers gives the team the best chance to win the tougher games remaining on the schedule.

Regardless, the Steelers are still having this debate after word came that Rodgers' injury will not require surgery, opening the door slightly for his return against the Bears. It shows that Kaboly's comment about Tomlin potentially not trusting Rudolph may have real weight to it, especially seeing as Rudolph will be fully healthy and allowing him to start would allow Rodgers' wrist an opportunity to fully heal. The Steelers have a decision to make, and they will need to make it soon.

Steelers Need Aaron Rodgers Healthy For The Playoffs

The Steelers would ultimately be better off allowing Rodgers to sit against the Bears, even if his wrist injury is not that serious. A fully healthy Rodgers gives the Steelers the best chance to win games going forward. Rodgers has thrown 19 touchdowns this season, which is good enough to be the fifth most in the league so far in 2025. Even as a healthy Rudolph would be able to keep the Steelers afloat long enough to win games, it's clear that Tomlin doesn't believe Rudolph would be good enough to take the team where they truly want to be.

What did you think about Kaboly's comments about Tomlin potentially not trusting Rudolph? Let us know in the comments or on X at @SteelersSwamp7.

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