Even after the Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers enter a tough stretch with increasing quarterback uncertainty. The team improved to 6–4, but the victory did little to alleviate concerns about Aaron Rodgers’ injury. And for Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger, things become even more ominous considering the possibility of having to start Mason Rudolph against the Chicago Bears.

Roethlisberger talked straightforwardly about the situation on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, and he included a pretty candid forecast regarding Pittsburgh’s prospects if Rudolph starts.

“Bears will be more prepared for Mason if he is coming in. So, it will be a little more challenging for him,” he said, emphasizing how differently defensive coordinators respond when they know it’s a veteran star lined up versus a backup. It wasn’t criticism from Roethlisberger; it was born out of experience under center and plain awareness that Chicago will adjust in a big hurry.

However, we can’t ignore that Rudolph stepped in place of Rodgers in the Bengals game, completing 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards. The former quarterback went a step further and candidly questioned the Steelers’ chances with Rudolph starting.

“If Aaron was playing, I’m going to be like, man, this is going to be a close game. I think with Mason… unfortunately, I’m going to have to say a loss. I think it’s going to be tough for us to get this game,” he concluded. This wasn’t just an indictment of Rudolph’s skill but also an acknowledgment of the Bears’ strength. Chicago enters Week 12 with a 7–3 record and one of the league’s most disciplined defenses.

Roethlisberger also added that the Bears will be prepared for Rodgers as well, stating, “They’re both pocket kind of quarterbacks. So, you can you can prepare for very similar guys,” which means the Bears won’t face the unpredictability that Rodgers’ veteran presence usually brings.

Mike Tomlin didn’t shy away from praising his backup QB, Rudolph, for his ability to stay composed despite minimal weekly reps. “He’s always found a way to manage those challenges, to remain confident, for that confidence to ooze out of him and be a catalyst for a collective performance, and we got that,” Tomlin said.

With Rodgers hurt and Rudolph taking on a more important role, the Steelers are at a crossroads at quarterback. If Rodgers were to miss any more time, rookie Will Howard is projected to take over the backup duties. Roethlisberger noted that Howard missed some critical developmental periods earlier this season because of an injury, but this circumstance could finally give him a chance to prove him.

This all came to the forefront with Rodgers’ left wrist injury in the Bengals game. As of now, Rodgers has avoided surgery.

Mike Tomlin on Rodgers injury

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin opened up about Aaron Rodgers’ injury. He assured that the QB will not need surgery to repair the fracture of his left, non-throwing wrist.

“Really, it’s just about bracing and securing it for his comfort and safety,” Tomlin said, adding that Rodgers’ ability to protect himself will determine whether he can play.

Rodgers won’t practice on Wednesday, and Friday is likely to be the most telling day in terms of evaluation. Tomlin added that a decision will hinge on stabilization, pain tolerance, and overall functionality in terms of movements that are game-like.

“We’ll see where the week leads us, and we’ll take it day by day,” Tomlin said, also highlighting that Rodgers will have a say: “It’s his body, so certainly he’s going to be a component of the discussion.”

The staff has to make sure Rodgers can properly brace the wrist and endure contact. Tomlin made it clear that performance, not history, will be the determining factor in whether Rodgers plays, despite Rodgers boasting a stellar 24–5 career record against Chicago.

“Aaron always wants to play. Opponent has nothing to do with it. It’s his love affair with the game of football,” he said.

As the Steelers get ready for Week 12, everything, from the way they game-plan to the structure of the depth chart gets reshaped by Rodgers’ injury, and Roethlisberger’s pointed comments only reinforce the gravity of the moment for Pittsburgh.