Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gives Mysterious Update On Aaron Rodgers Ahead Of Big Matchup With The Chicago Bears

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering their Week 12 matchup with the Chicago Bears with a major question at quarterback after Aaron Rodgers suffered a slight fracture in his left wrist in Week 11. The veteran quarterback got hit after throwing the ball while playing the Cincinnati Bengals, and he went into the locker room at halftime, never returning to the game. Pittsburgh wound up winning the matchup regardless, but the quarterback remained in the locker room for the rest of the contest. It was later revealed that he had a slight fracture, and his status for Week 12 is still up in the air.

Mason Rudolph filled in nicely for Rodgers throughout the rest of the game against Cincinnati, and he would be in line to start in Chicago if Rodgers cannot play. Keeping Rodgers safe, knowing he is comfortable, and knowing his wrist will be secure in whatever brace he has to wear while playing are all boxes that need to be checked in order for the coaching staff to feel okay making him the starter against the Bears. Head Coach Mike Tomlin briefly spoke with reporters on Friday, and Teresa Varley reported that the veteran quarterback is still questionable for Sunday.

Tomlin has not given any hints throughout the week about whether or not Rodgers will be able to play on Sunday, and he has kept his answers regarding his quarterback's availability short and sweet. Rodgers did not practice on Wednesday, but he did in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. It was reported that he felt good during those practices, and the quarterback is pushing to play.

There is also some gamesmanship going on when it comes to Tomlin not stating whether or not Rodgers will be the team's starting quarterback on Sunday. It makes like difficult for Chicago as they prepare for this matchup because they do not know for certain who will be lining up under center. There is no incentive for Tomlin to announce Rodgers' status for the game sooner than he has to. The quarterback will likely remain listed as questionable until game day when he goes through pregame warmups.

Rodgers loves playing in Chicago, and it is something he has done a lot throughout his career due to him being in the NFC North for so long. This is a big game for the Steelers as the Baltimore Ravens are right on their heels in the AFC North standings, and winning the division might be Pittsburgh's best chance at clinching a spot in the playoffs for the 2025 season. It is hard to tell whether Rodgers or Rudolph gives Pittsburgh a better chance at quarterback at the moment, but something about playing the Bears usually brings out the best in Rodgers.

Steelers Have A Ton Of Trust In Mason Rudolph

Rudolph came out onto the field after halftime against the Bengals in Week 11, and a lot of the fans were surprised to see him line up under center. It was obvious that Rodgers was somewhat shaken up after taking a hit in the second quarter, but it was not clear that the injury was serious enough to take him out of the game. Rudolph came in and played well, although he only had to take the field for two possessions aside from a couple kneel downs to end the game. He ran the offense efficiently and the group put points on the board for both possessions that he led, so the coaching staff has some confidence in him if he has to start on Sunday in Chicago.

What do you think about the update on Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!

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