The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Chicago Bears on Sunday by a final score of 31-28. The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 6-5 as the team fell to second place in the AFC North. The biggest story of the game was the fact that the Steelers played without their starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Mason Rudolph went 24-for-31 through the air with 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Rudolph gave the Steelers a chance to win, but his performance begs the question on if the Steelers could've won with Rodgers under center.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to throw downfield during Pittsburgh's 31-17 loss vs the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL Season.
Rodgers suffered a wrist injury during Pittsburgh's 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, and although he rushed back in an attempt to play against the Bears, he was ultimately inactive for the contest. Now it becomes a wonder on how severe Rodgers' injury really is, and if he'll be able to play in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills.
During his postgame press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave a look ahead to Rodgers' status for next week.
"I anticipate him being ready for next week," Tomlin said.
That quote obviously gives Steelers fans something to hang onto, but it still doesn’t wipe away all the questions. Rodgers was a game-time decision on Sunday, and it wasn't announced until approximately 10 a.m. central time that Rodgers would not be playing.
That created a bit of buzz, especially with fans who were expecting Rodgers to push through the injury the way he has in the past. But this time, it seems like the team and Rodgers decided not to take any chances, likely wanting to avoid a setback that could knock him out for a longer stretch.
Karl Roster / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' quarterback Mason Rudolph throws the ball during Pittsburgh's 31-28 loss vs the Chicago Bears in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL Regular Season.
Rudolph took first-team reps all week in practice, preparing to be the starter in Chicago. He looked comfortable at times and shaky at others. He made some good throws but also missed some receivers. Some of the drives stalled out in spots where Rodgers maybe would have found that extra gear, but Rudolph still kept the Steelers competitive until the final minute of the game.
"It was a prudent decision to make," Tomlin said. "Certainly it wasn't a fluent week for him. It was a fluent week for Mason it terms of reps and so forth, and so I think it will be in our rearview as we move forward. I'm hopeful of that."
Now the question becomes whether that hope actually turns into Rodgers being under center next Sunday. The Bills are fighting for their own playoff life, and going into that matchup without Rodgers would make things even tougher. Fans will be watching every injury report like it’s breaking news, but for now, all they can do is wait and see.
Karl Roster / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' quarterback Mason Rudolph prepares to throw the ball during Pittsburgh's 31-28 loss vs the Chicago Bears in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL Regular Season.
Steelers Need Win Over Buffalo To Stay Afloat In AFC North
With Pittsburgh's loss in Chicago, combined with the Baltimore Ravens defeating the New York Jets on Sunday, the Steelers now to drop to second place in the AFC North.
Things won't get any easier for the Steelers, as they will welcome in the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills to Acrisure Stadium next Sunday. Buffalo comes in losing two of their last three as they also sit in second place of their division, but with Pittsburgh loss in Chicago, next week's game feels like a must-win for the black and gold.
Rather Rodgers is indeed good to go, or if Rudolph has to make his second straight start, the Steelers need a win to keep their AFC North hopes alive.
Are the Steelers in trouble following Sunday's loss? Let us know in the comments!
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