The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, is focused on his recovery after suffering a fracture in his left wrist during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite the injury, Rodgers intends to return to training on Thursday.
Rodgers has been working with head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah to focus on rehabilitation. However, his participation in the Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears is still uncertain. Rodgers emphasized that his priority is safety and that he must be able to “protect himself” to play. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin mentioned that Friday will be a crucial day to determine Rodgers’ situation. The quarterback avoided commenting on a possible additional incentive to play against the Bears, due to his history with the team. Rodgers expressed that he enjoys playing in Chicago, a city with a great sports fanbase. He also joked about his role as the “villain” in the rivalry, mentioning his time in Green Bay and the importance of the history between both teams. The Steelers’ medical staff is looking for protection for Rodgers’ injured wrist. Currently, he feels more comfortable taking snaps from the shotgun formation, but the goal is to be able to do it from the center. Rodgers confirmed that the injury is not an aggravation of a pre-existing problem. The injury occurred on a play in the second quarter against the Bengals, when he fell backward under pressure. Although he played one more play before halftime, he did not return to the field after halftime. In the middle of the game, Rodgers indicated to Mason Rudolph, the substitute quarterback, that he was ready to enter the game. Rudolph completed 12 of 16 attempts for 126 yards and a touchdown in two offensive possessions. In Wednesday’s practices, Rudolph took the reps with the first team, backed by rookie Will Howard. Rodgers praised Rudolph, highlighting his professionalism and preparation. Rodgers described Rudolph as an “A-type” player, very attentive to detail. Rudolph is familiar with preparing to play at any moment and has had experience in different roles. Since being drafted by the Steelers in 2018, he has started 13 games and played in 24. In 2019, he replaced Ben Roethlisberger following an elbow injury. Two years later, he started the Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions with little notice due to Roethlisberger’s positive COVID-19 test. Rodgers and the medical team are working to determine his availability for the next game.It feels better than Sunday, that’s for sure.
Aaron Rodgers
