Steelers' Arthur Smith Details Exactly What Aaron Rodgers Must Do To Start Against Bears In Week 12

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 41-year-old quarterback gave the fan base quite the scare during halftime of the Steelers’ Week 11 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. It quickly became known that Rodgers had injured his left wrist on the final drive before halftime. Despite the pain, Rodgers reportedly tried to convince Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin to let him return to the game.

However, Tomlin and the Steelers’ brass decided not to risk it, opting for an abundance of caution. The decision reflected the team’s priority on protecting their veteran quarterback, even in the midst of a competitive game. Fans were left holding their breath as the situation unfolded, wondering how serious the injury might be and what it could mean for the team moving forward.

Rodgers’ status for Week 12 against the Chicago Bears remains uncertain. Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, though, offered clarity on exactly what Rodgers would need to demonstrate in practice and prep to earn the start while speaking with Brooke Pryor on Thursday. His comments give fans a roadmap for what to watch as the team evaluates whether Rodgers is ready to take the field or if backup Mason Rudolph will get the call.

"I just trust him," Smith said while speaking with Brooke Pryor on Thursday. "This isn't his first rodeo."

Well, that’s a simple enough quote from Smith, but it’s more revealing than it first appears. Rodgers is 41 years old, and even though the Steelers brass kept him out of the second half in Week 11, it sounds like he will have more leeway up until Sunday. 

Rodgers has played in the NFL for over two decades, so he knows exactly what he can handle, what risks are worth taking, and what could make an injury worse. The good news for him is that it is his left wrist, his non-throwing hand, which naturally makes things a bit easier.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers "Still Owns" The Chicago Bears

Rodgers also has plenty of motivation to play against the Bears. During his 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, he dominated Chicago and even joked that he “owns the Bears” after scoring a touchdown and yelling into the camera. 

His record against them is remarkable. He is 24-5 all time in the regular season, and Soldier Field has been no obstacle for him. While the Steelers have historically struggled to win there, Rodgers knows how to succeed in that stadium and against the Bears. Though, this is a new regime with Head Coach Ben Johnson.

It is clear that Rodgers wants to play in this game, and the wrist injury is not something that would automatically keep him out. This is not about pain he cannot handle. 

The real concern is avoiding further damage and making sure the injury does not get worse. Rodgers’ experience, confidence, and track record against the Bears all suggest that if he is cleared, he will want to be on the field and ready to continue his dominance.  If Rodgers can’t go, then Rudolph would start, something the Steelers clearly feel comfortable with.

Do you think the Steelers should start Mason Rudolph out of caution, or should Aaron Rodgers play in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field? What do you think, and why? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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