Rodgers Ready: Steelers with Star QB vs Bills, Plus Good News

Aaron Rodgers ready to lead the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, is confirmed to play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. This marks his return after missing the game against the Chicago Bears due to a fracture in his left wrist.

“He participated fully today without any restrictions for the game,” commented coach Mike Tomlin after Friday’s practice. “So everything is a go.”

Mike Tomlin

Rodgers suffered the fracture at the end of the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. After two limited practices before the game against the Bears, Rodgers was questionable for last week’s game and was ultimately ruled out. Mason Rudolph played instead. This week, Rodgers missed Wednesday’s practice, but participated fully on Thursday and Friday. In addition to Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf (ankle) and pass rusher Alex Highsmith (pectoral) are also set to play, according to Tomlin.

“It feels great to know I’m back,” Highsmith said. “It’s definitely been frustrating the season with respect to injuries, especially the past year or two. So it feels good to be back.”

Alex Highsmith

Tomlin also announced that backup offensive lineman Andrus Peat will replace Broderick Jones, who is out this week due to a neck injury suffered in Chicago. Rodgers has been practicing with a black stabilizer on his wrist. He was seen during the individual period of practice on Friday, holding the ball with his left hand before throwing a pass with his right.

“I don’t know exactly what happened, but I’m sure it doesn’t feel good,” right tackle Troy Fautanu said. “But for him to want to come back and finish this season and play this game is a testament to who he is.”

Troy Fautanu

Last week, Rodgers said the key to his physical condition was less comfort and more his ability to protect himself.

“With the cast, there are definitely limitations,” Rodgers said this week, “but that’s for safety.”

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers previously said he felt more comfortable taking snaps from the shotgun position and did no work during individual drills last week from under center. Although Tomlin said Friday that Rodgers was able to take snaps under center this week, Rodgers said earlier in the week that he still didn’t feel comfortable doing it. “Not today,” said the quarterback on Wednesday. “We’ll see later in the week.” Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said he’s prepared to “problem-solve” if Rodgers is limited in his ability to take snaps from under center this week.