In Aaron Rodgers’ absence, Mason Rudolph started under center in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 12 clash with the Chicago Bears. Despite some solid stretches, Rudolph struggled in key moments, committing two costly turnovers that ultimately hurt the team’s chances. After the game, the Steelers’ quarterback opened up about how his decision to target DK Metcalf early went wrong.

“I think, you know, just trying to give DK a 50-50 shot there to start the game. I will do that every time I get the opportunity because he’s such a great player and comes down with a lot of those,” Rudolph said during the presser.

“I think on the play action at the boundary on the sack fumble, they did a good job of peeling off the left tackle to go and rob that check down, which I was about to throw. And I saw that and kind of recocked it, and that’s when I got hit. So, they covered the play well, and I just got to do a better job of protecting the ball.”

Rudolph’s first pass attempt of the game was an interception. He tried a risky deep pass to Metcalf, but cornerback Nahshon Wright was quick to create a turnover. It helped the Bears take the lead and gave Rudolph a rough start..

However, Rudolph bounced back on the next drive, completing all six of his passes and helping the team advance 95 yards down the field to score a touchdown. Rudolph’s second turnover was a strip sack by Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat in the third quarter.

Rudolph’s two mistakes proved costly, as the Bears turned both of them into touchdowns. Those turnovers gave Chicago 14 points, which was crucial in their 31-28 win over the Steelers. The Oklahoma product completed the game with 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards, with one touchdown, and was sacked twice in the game.

When talking about the game, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin admitted that his team, including Rudolph, did not do enough to win the game.

“I thought he was game. He always is. He made plays for us, particularly in the fourth quarter,” Tomlin said in the press conference. “But as a collectively, him included, we didn’t do enough to win.”

Notably, the Steelers leaned more on the running game while their passing game struggled. Apart from Metcalf, the team didn’t seem to have enough reliable deep receiving threats.

Now, the question is when Rodgers can return to the field.

Will Aaron Rodgers play in Week 13?

When asked about Aaron Rodgers’ availability, HC Tomlin assured that the veteran quarterback should be back against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.

“I anticipate him being ready for next week,” Tomlin said.

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Earlier, the QB missed the Week 12 game because of a left-wrist fracture he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals. But he was present on the sidelines. Coach Tomlin had planned for Rodgers to play in Week 12 and even had him sit out practice on Wednesday (November 19). Rodgers wore a wrist stabilizer and was a limited participant in the following practices. Tomlin admitted that even after his injury, Rodgers wanted to play the Week 12 game.

“Aaron always wants to play,” he said.

The Steelers will hope he brings that same mindset into Week 13. The next game will be important for the Steelers, and they will need Rodgers on the field.