The Pittsburgh Steelers entered their Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field with an uncertain quarterback situation. Starting signal-caller Aaron Rodgers injured his left wrist in Week 11 and was forced to miss the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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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.
Reports indicate Rodgers tried to return to the game, but Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin ultimately decided to keep him sidelined. Many assumed Rodgers would be ready to play in Week 12, but the fractured wrist kept him out, leaving the Steelers to rely on their backup. Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. It wasn’t a terrible performance, but he needed to play better to secure the win.
After the loss to the Bears, Tomlin suggested Rodgers would likely be back in Week 13. However, it was the head coach’s inconsistency earlier in the week that drew the attention of Steelers insider Brooke Pryor.
Tomlin initially downplayed the need for Rodgers to practice much, only to adjust his comments after the game, creating confusion among fans and media alike. Pryor called out Tomlin on the conflicting statements, pressing for clarity on Rodgers’ status and keeping the head coach accountable.
On Tuesday, Mike Tomlin suggested Rodgers didn't need to practice much to play, which is the opposite what he said today.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 23, 2025
"He's the type of guy and has the type of profile that doesn't require a lot of physical work in an effort to be ready to play. And that's helpful." https://t.co/8GuGOQOLFR
The situation has left Steelers fans with lingering questions about Rodgers’ health and the team’s chances in the upcoming games. While Tomlin remains optimistic about Rodgers’ return, the uncertainty at quarterback has cast a shadow over Pittsburgh’s offensive outlook. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Rodgers can return to full strength and whether the Steelers can regain their footing as the season heads toward its final stretch.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers rolls out with the football while Head Coach Mike Tomlin watches on during training camp.
Just a few weeks ago, the Steelers were riding high and feeling confident about their standing in the AFC and within the division. Fans were optimistic, the offense was showing flashes of life, and there was a sense that Pittsburgh could make a serious push toward the playoffs.
Steelers Starting To Unravel In The AFC
Now, after Sunday’s loss to the Bears, the team has fallen to 6-5 on the 2025 season and has almost officially lost its grip on first place in the AFC North. The defeat exposed inconsistencies on both sides of the ball.
If the Steelers want to end their playoff drought in 2025 with Rodgers leading the way, they’ll need him at full health and a stronger, more consistent effort from all three phases of the game. The coaching staff will also need to make adjustments, particularly in the passing game, and ensure that the defense can hold up against high-powered offenses.
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Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph get ready to walk out onto the field before a game in the 2025 NFL season.
Every game from here on out carries weight, and Pittsburgh can’t afford to let the season slip away. The team’s resilience, execution, and ability to stay focused will determine whether they can turn the season around and give Rodgers the supporting cast he needs to succeed. Pittsburgh will now turn its attention to the Week 13 matchup against the formidable Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium.
Do you think Pittsburgh would have beaten the Bears if Rodgers had been fully healthy? Would his presence have changed the outcome, or would the team have still struggled? Share your thoughts on how much impact a healthy Rodgers could have made in this game. Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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