STWF Sports|Nov. 17, 2025 – The Pittsburgh Steelers are bracing for a significant shift under center as veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is feared to have suffered a fractured left wrist, placing his availability for Week 12 in serious jeopardy. Multiple league insiders report that backup quarterback Mason Rudolph is expected to start when the Steelers travel to Soldier Field to face the surging Chicago Bears.
Rodgers exited Sunday’s 34–12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals after landing awkwardly on his non-throwing wrist. He was listed as “questionable to return” but never took another snap. Pittsburgh later confirmed he will undergo scans to determine the extent of the damage.
While the injury impacts Rodgers’ non-throwing hand, the team will not risk aggravating the fracture unless he can securely grip a football and avoid further harm — two hurdles that leave his Week 12 status hanging by a thread.
Rudolph Steps In, Steelers Steady the Ship
When Rodgers left the field, Mason Rudolph — the No. 76 pick in the 2018 draft — seized the moment. The veteran backup delivered a clean, efficient outing, completing 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, helping to close out a pivotal AFC North win.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Rudolph is now expected to start Sunday.
Rudolph, who has logged 21 career starts with the Steelers and Titans, offers experience and steadiness. But he lacks the late-game magic Rodgers has delivered throughout Pittsburgh’s playoff push.
At 6–4, the Steelers cling to postseason relevance — making Rodgers’ availability even more crucial.
Rodgers’ Status: “50-50”
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport offered the most hopeful update for Steelers fans, calling Rodgers’ chances “50-50” depending on swelling, pain tolerance, and his ability to grip the ball.
“For Aaron Rodgers, whether he can play Sunday will be determined by if he can injure himself further and if he can grip a football,” Rapoport reported. “He was described as 50-50.”
Rodgers’ history against Chicago adds even more intrigue. During his Green Bay tenure, he dominated the Bears, winning 24 of 29 career meetings and famously declaring “I still own you” after a 2021 touchdown run.
But things have changed.
The 7–3 Bears have ripped off three straight wins, including a gritty 19–17 victory over Minnesota, and have emerged as surprising NFC North contenders under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
If Rodgers sits, Chicago instantly becomes the favorite.
Packers Fans Are Watching Closely, Too
Rodgers’ absence doesn’t just sting for Pittsburgh — it sends ripples through Green Bay.
The Packers, sitting at 6–3, trail both Chicago and Detroit in the NFC North. A Rodgers-led Steelers upset would help their playoff positioning. Instead, they may see the quarterback who tormented them for over a decade sidelined during a game that could’ve indirectly boosted their postseason hopes.
Controversy Overshadows Steel City Blowout
Though Pittsburgh cruised to victory, the game was overshadowed by a heated fourth-quarter incident involving Jalen Ramsey and Ja’Marr Chase.
Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch at Chase after the two had exchanged words throughout the game. The All-Pro cornerback later claimed Chase spit on him, prompting the retaliation.
“He spit on me. So it’s up,” Ramsey said bluntly. “I don’t give a f*** about football after that… As soon as he spit, it was f*** that.”
Chase flatly denied the accusation: “I never opened my mouth to that guy… I didn’t spit on nobody.”
Referee Bill Vinovich confirmed that officials saw no evidence of spitting, noting that Ramsey was removed strictly for the punch.
The league is expected to review the footage in the coming days.
Steelers Enter Critical Stretch Without Their Leader
Whether Rodgers can return in Week 12 may define the Steelers’ season. Their next four opponents — Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, and Kansas City — all sit firmly in the playoff hunt.
Pittsburgh’s defense has kept them afloat.
Their offense has shown flashes.
But their postseason aspirations still hinge on No. 12’s availability.
For now, the franchise — and the city — waits on scans, swelling, and a wrist that could reshape the AFC playoff race.
Mason Rudolph will have the wheel Sunday.
Whether it’s a one-week duty or a long-term takeover depends entirely on Aaron Rodgers’ left hand.
