TL;DR
- Aaron Rodgers wants to start against the Chicago Bears despite a non-throwing hand fracture.
- Steelers doctors are cautious about Rodgers playing, creating a dispute with the quarterback.
- Rodgers has a dominant 24-5 career record against the Chicago Bears.
- Coach Mike Tomlin prioritizes postseason advantages and Rodgers' ability to protect himself.
Green Bay Packers quarterback has been notably fighting off a minor fracture in his non-throwing hand, but the future Hall of Famer is not to be denied. He has been adamant about starting against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported Saturday evening on the ongoing dispute between the quarterback and the coaching team concerning his involvement in Week 12. Although Rodgers might be pushing to play, the Steelers have yet to make a definitive decision.
"Aaron Rodgers has been pushing to play Sunday vs. The Bears, but Steelers doctors have been more cautious and guarded, per sources," Schefter posted on X. "If the decision is left to Rodgers, he will play, but the team has declined to provide hints as to its final decision."
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The Bears have been a favored opponent for Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers is eager to play in this matchup for multiple reasons. He's secured victories against Chicago in their last eight encounters, with his most recent defeat to the Bears occurring on December 16, 2018. His career statistics show a dominant 24-5 record against the Monsters of the Midway, and he's achieved a completion rate of 67.3% in those contests.
Despite their 6-4 record, Pittsburgh currently leads the AFC North. Coach Mike Tomlin is prioritizing the postseason advantages of having the accomplished Rodgers guide the offense. Furthermore, the Steelers haven't forgotten Rodgers' season-ending injury last year with the Jets, an event that transformed the Jets from potential playoff contenders to a team whose season ended prematurely.
Right now, Tomlin is holding his cards close to the vest.
"[The injury] is non-surgical," Tomlin said on Frida y. "As soon as they can secure it and know that he can protect himself, [the medical staff] will be comfortable. It's thoughtful decision-making that you go through almost routinely. Especially when you get into the meat of things."