Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not need surgery on the fractured left wrist he suffered Sunday, and he has not been ruled out for this week's game against the Bears.
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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has his work cut out for him in 2025. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that Rodgers' injury comes down to pain management and stabilization. The quarterback will sit out Wednesday's practice, and Tomlin called Friday a "big day" in determining his availability for Chicago.
"It is about bracing and securing it for his comfort and safety," Tomlin said. "Then it is about how functional he is."
He added that Rodgers will have a voice in the decision. "It is his body, so he is certainly a component of the discussion," Tomlin said.
Rodgers, 41, hurt the wrist while trying to brace himself during the Steelers' 34-12 win over the Bengals. He wanted to return to the game, but doctors held him out as they evaluated the injury.
Mason Rudolph finished the second half and completed 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards.
Tomlin praised Rudolph's ability to stay ready despite limited weekly reps. The coach also left open the door for rookie Will Howard to get some work with the starters after being activated last week.
If Rodgers cannot go, Rudolph is expected to start.
Tomlin said Rodgers' long-standing dominance of the Bears does not factor into the quarterback's push to play.
"Aaron always wants to play," Tomlin said. "Opponent has nothing to do with it. It is his love affair with the game."
Tomlin said the offensive plan would not undergo major changes if Rudolph starts, though he acknowledged the staff would lean into the veteran backup's strengths.
