Aaron Rodgers would possibly get an opportunity to say goodbye to considered one of his favourite locations in any case.
Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin mentioned Tuesday there’s an opportunity Rodgers and his fractured left wrist may nonetheless play on Sunday when the Steelers go to Chicago.
Rodgers injured his non-throwing wrist late within the first half of Pittsburgh’s 32-14 victory over Cincinnati on Sunday. Whereas Tomlin mentioned Rodgers wished to return again in, the four-time MVP remained within the locker room for analysis whereas backup Mason Rudolph helped the AFC North-leading Steelers draw back to enhance to 6-4.
The 41-year-old Rodgers, the NFL’s oldest lively participant, won’t want surgical procedure on the wrist. He won’t observe on Wednesday, and what occurs after that can depend upon how Rodgers adjusts to the brace he’ll put on and the way it impacts his capacity to function usually.
Tomlin doesn’t anticipate ache tolerance to be a problem, although Rodgers should present he’s in a position to shield himself.
Rudolph, who stuffed in capably within the second half in opposition to the Bengals, would begin for Pittsburgh in opposition to the NFC North-leading Bears (7-3) if Rodgers can’t go.
Rodgers has a protracted historical past with Chicago, courting to his extremely profitable run in Inexperienced Bay earlier in his profession. He’s 11-1 as a starter at Soldier Discipline and as soon as famously proclaimed he “owned” one of many NFL’s oldest franchises.
Tomlin brushed apart the concept that Rodgers’ dominance over the Bears will play a think about whether or not he performs.
“Aaron at all times desires to play. Opponent has nothing to do with it,” Tomlin mentioned. “It’s his love affair with the sport of soccer.”
Tomlin isn’t positive precisely when Rodgers sustained the damage, although cameras caught Rodgers clutching the wrist after a second-down heave to the again of the top zone with Pittsburgh driving late within the first half. Rodgers was hit on the finish of the play, although he did keep in to make yet another go, an incompletion to Roman Wilson.
Rudolph accomplished 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a landing in opposition to the Bengals and can observe with the starters till Rodgers returns, each time that could be.
Tomlin has generally allowed veteran gamers to overlook a complete week of observe after which play on Sunday. Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spent per week on the Covid-19 listing in 2021 however was cleared to play the evening earlier than a go to to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The unknown of how the brace will have an effect on Rodgers means he gained’t be provided that lodging. Tomlin mentioned the workforce might want to see how the brace impacts what he known as Rodgers’ “performance” earlier than deciding whether or not he can play.
Requested what sort of enter Rodgers could have, the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach chuckled.
“It’s his physique, so definitely he’s gonna be a element of the dialogue,” Tomlin mentioned.
Rudolph offers Pittsburgh a dependable fallback choice. The 30-year-old – now in his second stint with the Steelers following a prolonged run as primarily a backup from 2018 by means of 2023 – memorably gained three straight begins on the finish of the 2023 season to assist the Steelers make the playoffs.
“He’s confirmed over his time right here that he’s able to coming in and enjoying successful soccer for us,” Tomlin mentioned. “And that’s no small job.”
Whereas offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Rodgers work intently in placing the sport plan collectively, Smith additionally seeks enter from Rudolph – one of many causes Pittsburgh’s offense didn’t miss a beat in opposition to the Bengals and the NFL’s worst protection.
The problem can be harder in Chicago, the place the Steelers have gained simply as soon as in 13 tries. The Bears lead the NFL in takeaways and are second in third-down effectivity.
Rodgers isn’t the one participant whose standing is unsure for this week. Outdoors linebacker Alex Highsmith continues to cope with a pectoral damage that compelled him to take a seat out in opposition to the Bengals. Cornerback Darius Slay could possibly be again after spending final week within the concussion protocol.
Working again Jaylen Warren, who injured his ankle within the third quarter in opposition to Cincinnati, can be restricted this week however could possibly be accessible. Kenny Gainwell compiled 105 whole yards and two receiving touchdowns on Sunday whereas getting an expanded look, which appears more likely to proceed.
Whereas Warren was cleared to return late in opposition to the Bengals – and even went again onto the sphere at one level, just for the Steelers to name timeout – Tomlin opted to stay with Gainwell, whom he felt had the “scorching hand”.
The journey to Soldier Discipline begins a frightening three-week stretch for Pittsburgh, which has a tenuous one-game lead over Baltimore. Pittsburgh host Buffalo on 29 November, then open December by visiting the Ravens.
