The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers for their Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Rodgers sustained a wrist injury during the team’s Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The injury occurred in the first half, though the exact play is unclear. Rodgers was seen closely examining his left hand and wrist. Initially, it appeared he may have just been cut, as there was some bleeding.
He was later declared questionable to return, and Mason Rudolph took over under center. Rodgers did not return to the game, and it was later revealed he suffered a small fracture in his wrist. The injury does not require surgery, but a timeline for his return has not been determined.
Here are the latest updates on whether Rodgers will be able to play against the Bears in Week 12.
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Is Aaron Rodgers playing this week?
Rodgers' status for Week 12 hasn't been determined. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that the quarterback won't practice on Wednesday. This isn't out of the ordinary for a veteran, but Tomlin is likely to lean toward gamesmanship with the updates, so the public is not likely to get a concrete answer until the weekend.
What happened to Aaron Rodgers?
It is unknown when Rodgers sustained his injury, aside from it occurring in the first half of the Week 11 game against Cincinnati. The quarterback was seen flexing his hand and holding his wrist.
When he came out of the game, he was listed as questionable to return. Rodgers was eventually diagnosed with a slight fracture of his wrist. He doesn't need surgery, and head coach Mike Tomlin said the situation is now about pain management and if the quarterback can securely grip a football.
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- How Aaron Rodgers hurt his left wrist during win vs. Bengals
- What Josh Jacobs injury means for Packers RB room
- Latest injury news on Bryce Young, Michael Penix. Jr, Jordan Love
Who is Aaron Rodgers' backup?
Rodgers' direct backup is Rudolph. He would be the likeliest option to take over under center, with the only other option being rookie Will Howard, who hasn't played in an NFL game yet.
Steelers QB depth chart
| Rank | Player Name |
| 1 | Aaron Rodgers -- QUES |
| 2 | Mason Rudolph |
| 3 | Will Howard |
| 4 | Skylar Thompson -- IR |
If healthy, Rodgers is the unquestioned starter for the Steelers. If the veteran quarterback is sidelined Sunday against the Bears, Rudolph is expected to get the first nod.
Rudolph has spent the majority of his career with the Steelers, returning to Pittsburgh after one season with the Tennessee Titans. He played the entire second half of the Steelers' Week 11 game against the Bengals, helping the team hold on for the victory.
Howard played his college career at Kansas State and Ohio State. He won the 2024 CFP national championship with the Buckeyes before being drafted in the sixth round by Pittsburgh. Howard has yet to make his NFL debut.
Skylar Thompson has been on IR since the preseason with a hamstring injury, and there have been no reports suggesting he could be activated if Rodgers is ruled out.