The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t know who will be under center when they head to Soldier Field to face the 7-3 Chicago Bears just yet, but they’ll soon have a better idea. Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a fracture in his left wrist ahead of halftime in Sunday’s game against Cincinnati, spoke with the media on Wednesday afternoon and said he hopes to be on the practice field on Thursday.
“Was thankful to get today and to work with Gabe and just focus on rehab for a day. We’ll try to get back on the field tomorrow and see what I can do,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers also echoed Mike Tomlin’s reports earlier that whether Rodgers can get back on the field will be a matter of safety for the injured left arm rather than pain tolerance. Rodgers also confirmed that he was injured on the second-down play when two Bengals defenders landed on him and that they are still working to find a brace that will suit his needs.
Pittsburgh Steelers keep the door open for Aaron Rodgers while ensuring Mason Rudolph is ready to take over
There’s no doubt Rodgers wants to be on the field to face the Chicago Bears. He hasn’t had a crack at the team since leaving the Green Bay Packers franchise after the 2022 season. All-time, Rodgers carries a 24-5 record over the Bears.
Still, the team is taking every precaution with their soon-to-be 42-year-old quarterback. Mason Rudolph took first-team reps during Wednesday’s practice and will get the start if Rodgers can’t suit up for Sunday’s game.
If Rudolph does get the start, it would be his first for Pittsburgh since 2023, when he started and won three games to close the season while sneaking Pittsburgh into the postseason. He started five games for the Tennessee Titans last year, but only won a single game.
READ MORE: Steelers officially have a massive Arthur Smith problem on their hands
Nonetheless, there is confidence in Rudolph among many Steelers fans, and certainly the organization, if he is called into action. After all, he did outperform Rodgers statistically in the second half to close out the Steelers’ win against the Bengals, if only slightly.
Of course, if Rodgers can find a brace that works and feels comfortable taking hits and bracing falls, it certainly seems like Steelers fans should be prepared to see him take the field in Chicago for the final time.