Aaron Rodgers is indeed dealing with a fracture in his left, non-throwing wrist but does not need surgery, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.
Rodgers is set to sit out of Wednesday’s practice, but Tomlin left the door open for the 41-year-old quarterback to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
“Really, it’s just about bracing and securing it for his comfort and safety,” Tomlin said. “And then, it’s about how functional he is.”
Rodgers’ left hand planted awkwardly when he took a hit late in the second quarter of Sunday’s 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He did not play after halftime.
Friday’s practice is expected to be pivotal in determining Rodgers’ availability for Sunday, according to Tomlin, who said the four-time NFL MVP is “working his tail off” to be ready.
“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,” Tomlin said. “And that’s helpful.”
Rodgers has passed for 1,969 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 10 games this season, his first with the Steelers.
He spent the previous two years with the Jets, who released him in March after a disappointing tenure. Rodgers missed all but four offensive snaps in 2023 due to an Achilles tear, then went 5-12 as the Jets’ starter last year.
But the Steelers are 6-4 under Rodgers and hold a one-game lead in the AFC North.
Should Rodgers be unavailable, backup quarterback Mason Rudolph would start in his place. Rudolph completed 12-of-16 pass attempts for 127 yards and a touchdown in relief of Rodgers on Sunday, and he is 9-8-1 in his career as a starter.
“I can’t say enough about Mason Rudolph,” Tomlin said. “Although we’re used to it, it’s still appreciated. He’s proven over his time here that he’s capable of coming in and playing winning football for us, and that’s no small task.”
Rodgers is 24-5 in his career against the Bears, whom he faced twice per season during his 18-year run with the Green Bay Packers.
The Bears are 7-3 this year in their first season under head coach Ben Johnson.
“Aaron always wants to play,” Tomlin said. “Opponent has nothing to do with it. It’s his love affair with the game of football.”
