Mike Tomlin isn’t just coaching for this season; he’s actively working to ensure Aaron Rodgers‘ career in Pittsburgh doesn’t end anytime soon. With speculation swirling around the future of a legendary quarterback, Mike Tomlin used his Tuesday press conference to set the record straight.

“I don’t know that I’ve taken time to ponder that. I’m just committed to making sure that it’s not,” Tomlin said when asked if this could be Rodgers’ final game.

Instead, Tomlin praised Rodgers for what he has brought to the team since joining the Steelers.

“He’s certainly been an awesome contributor to our efforts,” Tomlin said. “Not only from a talent and experience perspective, but his professionalism, his relationship with the game, and his willingness to help his teammates grow and get better each day.”

So far with the Steelers, Rodgers has passed for 3,028 yards in 15 starts, 23 touchdown passes to seven interceptions, ranking him at #18 in the league. Not only that, but the QB also has a 95.3 passer rating that ranks No. 11. Compared to his last season with the Jets, Rodgers has more yards and TD passes this season.

Pittsburgh’s 13-6 loss to Cleveland was devastating and erased all chances of the team having an early AFC North win. Instead, they are now walking into Week 18 with a high-stakes game against the Baltimore Ravens. However, HC Mike Tomlin refuses to let any pressure affect how he prepares for the upcoming game and instead credited the 41-year-old QB for his talent and experience as the latter looks forward to a better season finale.

“That’s one of the things that made him really attractive to us: that can-do attitude, the experience and resume that goes along with it,” Tomlin said. “I don’t think it’s work for him. I think it’s as natural as breathing, and so if he’s breathing, I expect to see that from him as we lean in on this game.”

With Rodgers under center, Tomlin is leaning heavily on his QB to bring a change in the locker room with his level of experience as the HC is left to deal with a significant injury update ahead of the Ravens’ matchup.

Mike Tomlin on T.J. Watt’s return and several injury updates

Ahead of their week 18 meeting with the Ravens, Pittsburgh has lost a key offensive weapon. Tight end Darnell Washington has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the season following surgery on a broken arm earlier today. The TE suffered the injury during the team’s loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Washington finishes his year with 31 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown, often proving himself as a reliable option for the QB. During their week 17 game against the Browns, Pittsburgh immediately felt Darnell’s absence as they failed to score a touchdown and had only 160 passing yards. However, the HC is certain that the team will bounce back from this loss well ahead of time.

“It’s back to work for us,” Tomlin said. “We’ve been here before. Certainly we’ve got a big week ahead of us and a big game in Acrisure next weekend.”

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While providing injury updates, Tomlin also talked about T.J. Watt, mentioning that he has not seen Watt yet, but he feels more positive about Watt playing than he did in previous weeks team is careful after his medical situation.

“He has a certain level of health, but we want to be cautious about how we work him back into the fold,” the HC said.

When asked if TJ could be used situationally or needs to be a full-time starter, Tomlin replied, “I’m open to utilizing him in any way that’s appropriate relative to his availability.”

We still have a few days left ahead of Week 18 to see if Watt can actually make it back to practice that will confirm his availability for the high-voltage matchup as well. Surely, Mike Tomlin would need T.J. Watt back in full health if he wants to secure a win against the Baltimore Ravens.