Pittsburgh felt the tension rise the moment Aaron Rodgers hit the ground against the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran quarterback went down in the second quarter when several defenders closed in on him, sending him hard to the turf on his left wrist. Moments later, he entered the blue medical tent, and the Steelers announced he was questionable to return. By halftime, that hope faded. Mason Rudolph stepped in, and Rodgers was ruled out for the rest of the game.As the team celebrated a 34-12 win, attention quickly shifted to the injury. Early scans brought a mix of relief and concern. The problem is real, but the situation does not look long-term. The Steelers now wait for Monday’s testing to know exactly what they face.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers injury update brings mixed early news
Initial X-rays revealed a small fracture in Rodgers’ left, non-throwing wrist, which explains the pain that forced him out. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported, “Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers will undergo more tests Monday on his left wrist, but the initial belief is it’s nothing long term, sources tell me and @RapSheet. X-rays at the stadium showed a small fracture. They won’t know more until further scans.” The team hopes the follow-up evaluation will confirm that the fracture is minor and manageable.ESPN added that Rodgers may be dealing with “a slight break” and that Mason Rudolph is expected to start in Week 12 against the Bears. Adam Schefter noted that Monday’s tests will help build a clear recovery timetable. Rodgers is said to be optimistic, and insiders Ian Rapoport and Pelissero echoed that he does not expect an extended absence.Still, his long-awaited return to Soldier Field now looks doubtful. The fracture could keep him sidelined when the Steelers travel to Chicago on Nov. 23. It would mean Bears fans miss a familiar face who dominated their team for years. Rodgers went 25-5 against them and delivered one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry when he shouted, “All my [bleeping] life, I own you. I own you. I still own you.”His future also hangs in the balance. Rodgers, 41, has said he is “pretty sure” this will be his last season. He chose Pittsburgh partly because the schedule offered another trip to Chicago. “I love Chicago, though — way more than they love me,” he said in May. “It’s been a great relationship — all one way.”For now, the Steelers wait, the division tightens, and Rudolph prepares to lead until Rodgers can return.More NFL coverageWho Is A.J. Brown’s fiancée Kelsey Riley? Everything you need to know about the Eagles WR’s love lifeJa’Marr Chase denies spitting as Jalen Ramsey insists viral clip proves explosive confrontation before Steelers star’s ejection
