Steelers: Rodgers avoids surgery, but his presence vs Bears in doubt

Aaron Rodgers Avoids Surgery, But His Participation in the Next Game is Uncertain

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not need surgery to repair the fracture in his left wrist, according to coach Mike Tomlin this Tuesday. The news comes after the injury suffered by Rodgers during Sunday’s game. Tomlin did not rule out Rodgers’ participation in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, and his status will be evaluated throughout the week. “Really, it’s about securing and protecting the wrist for his comfort and safety,” Tomlin said. “Then, it’s about how functional it is.” The coach added that Rodgers, 41, will not practice on Wednesday, and Friday will be a key day to assess his status for Sunday’s game against the Bears. The final decision will depend on several factors, including the stability of the wrist, the player’s pain level, and his ability to protect himself.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not need surgery after suffering a fracture in his left wrist in Sunday’s game. His status for this week’s game against the Bears is still to be determined.Rodgers, for his part, will have a say in the decision of whether or not he plays. “It’s his body, so it will certainly be a component of the discussion,” commented Tomlin.

“We’ll see where the week takes us, and we’ll take it day by day,” Tomlin said.

The coach also highlighted that the rival, in this case the Bears, will not influence Rodgers’ determination to play. “Aaron always wants to play. The opponent has nothing to do with it. It’s his love affair with American football,” he added.

In case Rodgers can’t play, Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard are ready to take the lead on the field. Rudolph, who replaced Rodgers during Sunday’s game, could be the starter if Rodgers is unavailable. There is a possibility that Howard, who was activated from the injured list last week, will work with the starting offense in practice.

Rudolph had a standout performance on Sunday, completing 12 of 16 attempts for 127 yards in the 34-12 victory against the Bengals. “He’s always found a way to handle those challenges, to maintain confidence, so that confidence emanates from him and is a catalyst for a collective performance, and that’s what we got,” Tomlin said about Rudolph’s performance. In addition to Rodgers’ situation, Steelers’ starting cornerback Darius Slay is set to return from a concussion, and running back Jaylen Warren could be available after an ankle injury. The game plan won’t change drastically regardless of the quarterback, although it could be adapted to Rudolph’s strengths if he’s the starter. “We want to work within his comfort zone. The things he sees and does well that might differ from Aaron,” Tomlin explained. The coach also pointed out that Rudolph and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith meet weekly to highlight specific areas of the game plan that suit Rudolph’s strengths in case he has to come in from the bench, so this week’s preparation does not deviate drastically from normal. After Sunday’s victory, his teammates expressed confidence in Rudolph.