The desire to win is sometimes unbearable — especially for a franchise and fanbase starving to rise back to the top of the NFL food chain. Since January, it has been obvious that Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers are chasing their aspirations with an uncommon level of aggression. Their untraditional offseason approach brought in a wave of All-Pro veterans, each signing a symbol of the organization’s hunger to reclaim greatness.
Among those additions, none was more electrifying than Aaron Rodgers. And through 10 games, his presence has been the catalyst for a season worth believing in.
It’s impossible to ignore the difference between the Steelers of recent years and the team that has taken the field in 2025. The improvements may not be monumental, but they are meaningful. Arthur Smith’s offense finally looks like a cohesive unit, even as Teryl Austin’s defense continues to battle inconsistency.
The push and pull between progress and frustration is perfectly reflected in Pittsburgh’s 6–4 record. But the X-factor — the piece separating a losing season from a competitive one — has been the four-time All-Pro under center.
Rodgers’ confidence, experience, and unmatched football IQ have given Pittsburgh opportunities the franchise hasn’t seen since the peak of the Roethlisberger era. He sits tied for fifth in touchdown passes with 19 and has thrown for more than 1,900 yards. Simply put, he’s been the air circulating through Pittsburgh’s rafters.
And now, the Steelers have no choice but to live without him for a while.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be in hot water without Aaron Rodgers under center
According to Adam Schefter, Rodgers’ slightly broken left wrist could keep him sidelined for some time, and Mason Rudolph is expected to start Sunday against the Chicago Bears. It’s a tough pill to swallow — for the fans and for Rodgers himself. But if we're being honest, giving a 41-year-old quarterback proper time to heal before a potential playoff stretch is not just logical, it’s necessary.
Pittsburgh’s upcoming schedule makes the decision even more complicated. After facing Chicago, the Steelers move on to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills before traveling to Baltimore to face the Ravens in Week 14. It’s a gauntlet — one that will test the Steelers’ resilience and depth. But is it worth risking Rodgers’ long-term health by rushing him back too soon?
I don’t believe so.
The answer lies in trust — specifically, how much Mike Tomlin and his staff trust Mason Rudolph to keep the offense afloat. Rudolph looked composed in Week 11 against Cincinnati, completing 12 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. He protected the ball, kept the offense organized, and did exactly what the moment demanded.
But managing an entire game — or multiple games — is a different challenge entirely.
Still, the Steelers must face reality. This is one of those moments where the franchise must bite the bullet. Either they rush Rodgers back and risk further damage… or they place their faith in Mason Rudolph and hope he can steady the ship.
It’s not an easy decision. It rarely is. But survival in the NFL often depends on choosing the difficult path today to secure a brighter tomorrow.