Rodgers, Steelers: No surgery, but questionable for the game vs Bears

Aaron Rodgers Avoids Surgery, But His Sunday Game Participation is Doubtful

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not need surgery to repair the fracture in his left wrist, according to coach Mike Tomlin this Tuesday. Tomlin did not rule out the veteran quarterback’s participation in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, and his physical condition will be determined later in the week.

Really, it’s about securing and protecting the doll for her comfort and safety.

Mike Tomlin

The coach added that Rodgers, 41, will not practice on Wednesday, and that Friday will be a key day to assess his condition for Sunday’s game against the Bears.

Several factors will determine Rodgers’ availability, according to Tomlin. Not only must the wrist be stabilized, but the medical and coaching staff will need to monitor the quarterback’s pain level, his effectiveness, and his ability to protect himself.

Functionality is an important component. I don’t need it for my comfort, but I certainly need it for functionality, and functionality is an important component of whether or not you have an opportunity this week. … It’s about stabilizing it; it’s about making sure he can handle the pain, that doesn’t seem to be a problem.

Mike Tomlin

Facing the Bears, a team against whom Rodgers has a 24-5 record, does not influence the veteran’s determination to play.

Aaron always wants to play. The opponent has nothing to do with it. It’s his love story with American football.

Mike Tomlin

In case Rodgers can’t play, Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard would have the opportunity to prepare for the game against the Bears. Rudolph could be the starter if Rodgers is unavailable, but there’s a chance that Howard, who was activated from the injured reserve list last week after breaking a pinky finger in training camp, will work with the starting offense in practice.

Rudolph entered the game after Rodgers’ injury in the second quarter and completed 12 of 16 attempts for 127 yards in the Steelers’ 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Tomlin praised Rudolph’s performance, and said the game plan will not change drastically from one quarterback to another, although he acknowledged that it could be adapted more to Rudolph if he is the chosen one. After Sunday’s victory, teammates expressed their confidence in Rudolph, who was selected by the organization in the third round of the 2018 draft and helped the Steelers reach the playoffs in three starts to close out the 2023 season. Steelers’ starting cornerback Darius Slay (concussion) is set to return, and Tomlin was “optimistic” about the availability of running back Jaylen Warren. Warren left with an ankle injury against the Bengals and could have returned, but the team opted to stick with Kenneth Gainwell. Tomlin also said that outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who missed the last game with a pectoral injury, will be limited in practice this week. Despite the uncertainty about Rodgers’ participation, the team is preparing for any scenario.