Aaron Rodgers: No Surgery, But Doubtful for Next Game
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not need surgery to repair the fracture in his left wrist, according to coach Mike Tomlin this Tuesday. However, his participation in the next game against the Chicago Bears is still in doubt. Tomlin indicated that the final decision will depend on how the injury evolves during the week. “Really, it’s about securing and stabilizing the wrist for his comfort and safety,” said the coach. “Then, we will assess its functionality.” Rodgers, 41, will not participate in Wednesday’s practice, and Friday will be a key day to determine his physical condition for Sunday’s game.
The stability of the wrist, the player’s pain level, their effectiveness, and their ability to protect themselves will be key factors in the final decision. “Functionality is an important component,” explained Tomlin. “I don’t need it for my comfort, but I certainly need it for its functionality, and that’s an important factor for him to have the opportunity to play this week.” Regarding the possibility of facing the Bears, a team against which Rodgers has a favorable record, Tomlin assured that it will not influence his desire to play. “Aaron always wants to play. The opponent has nothing to do with it. It’s his love for American football.” In case Rodgers can’t play, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, both backup quarterbacks, could get playing time in the pre-game against the Bears. Rudolph could be the starter, while Howard, who was activated from the injured list last week, could participate in practice with the starting offense. Rudolph replaced Rodgers in the second quarter of Sunday’s game, completing 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards in the 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Tomlin praised Rudolph’s performance: “When you prepare during the week as a substitute, you have a limited number of repetitions. He has always found a way to face those challenges, to maintain confidence, and that confidence radiates and is a catalyst for collective performance, and that’s what we got.” The coach also reported that starting cornerback Darius Slay (concussion) is ready to return, and he was “optimistic” about the availability of running back Jaylen Warren, who suffered an ankle injury against the Bengals. In addition, defensive end Alex Highsmith, who was absent from the last game due to a pectoral injury, will have limitations in practice this week. Tomlin added that the game plan could be adapted to Rudolph’s abilities if necessary. “We want to work within his comfort zone. The things he sees and does well may differ from Aaron, but it’s all within the framework of what we do.” The coach also revealed that Rudolph and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith meet weekly to highlight specific areas of the game plan that fit Rudolph’s strengths in case he has to take the field. After Sunday’s victory, teammates expressed their confidence in Rudolph, who propelled the Steelers to the playoffs in three starts at the end of the 2023 season. “Many of the players who were on that team are still here, and because of that, with Mason, there’s no doubt,” said wide receiver Calvin Austin III. “He has a lot of talent. He has a lot of confidence in himself, and that’s what you want in a quarterback and in the team leader, and I think we’re going all in.”“We’ll see how the week unfolds and evaluate it day by day,” Tomlin commented, adding that Rodgers will have a say in the decision. “It’s his body, so he will certainly be part of the discussion.”
Mike Tomlin, Steelers Coach
