The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff journey came to an abrupt end on Monday, when they were handed a 30–6 loss by the Houston Texans. The loss quickly led to major changes, as the front office parted ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin after 19 seasons, but the fallout from that game didn’t stop there. The NFL has now handed down discipline to a Steelers player for his actions during the loss.

As it does every Saturday, the league released its Gameday Accountability Report, and Ben Skowronek found himself on it. The wide receiver and core special-teamer was fined $9,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct stemming from an early first-quarter moment against Houston.

The incident came six minutes into the game and involved Texans receiver Jaylin Noel. After a tackle on the ensuing kickoff, following Pittsburgh’s opening 3–0 lead, Skowronek crossed the line by checking to see whether Noel was wearing a cup. Skowronek finished the night with three special-teams tackles, but it cost him $9,500.

He was the only player from that matchup to be fined. And in case Skowronek wants to appeal the fine, as per the NFL, “Cases are heard by appeals officers and former NFL players Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding.”

It’s been a season where not much went right for Pittsburgh, but Skowronek has played his part.

After signing a two-year deal in free agency, he earned his first Pro Bowl nod and even picked up All-Pro votes along the way. His offensive usage was minimal, with just 15.42 percent of the snaps, but he was on the field for 69.04 percent of Pittsburgh’s special-teams plays.

Skowronek also became a steady presence in coverage units and continued to contribute offensively as a reliable blocking receiver. He also found his way into the box score early in the year, catching the Steelers’ first touchdown of the season on a pass from Rodgers against the Jets.

He wrapped up the year with four catches on six targets and ran 56 routes. When the Steelers start mapping out what their roster should look like next season, Skowronek looks exactly like the kind of player who should still be part of the plan. But would Aaron Rodgers be a part of it, too?

We might’ve seen the last of Aaron Rodgers

After Monday night’s 30–6 playoff loss to the Texans, head coach Mike Tomlin made the stunning decision to step away after 19 seasons. It will surely follow with many more departures, and as it seems, Aaron Rodgers might end up being one of the departees.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Rodgers is not expected to return to Pittsburgh for the 2026 season. The report notes that Rodgers’ interest in the Steelers was closely tied to playing for Tomlin. With Tomlin gone, Rodgers is expected to explore other options or walk away altogether.

“I would not expect him to return to Pittsburgh now that Mike Tomlin is not back,” Rapoport said. “What opportunities Rodgers would actually take for another season is a very real question. We may have seen the last of Rodgers in the NFL.”

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In the aftermath of the loss to Houston, Rodgers largely brushed aside the retirement talk. He said he wasn’t going to make any “emotional decisions” immediately after the game. Even without a formal announcement, it felt like a man who understood where the road might be leading.

And if that game really was the final chapter, it closes one of the most accomplished quarterback careers the league has seen. Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer, a four-time MVP, a Super Bowl champion, a Super Bowl MVP, and the NFL’s all-time leader in passer rating. Over the years, he piled up 66,274 passing yards, 527 touchdowns, and a career rating of 102.2.

For the 42-year-old, this season didn’t end the way he might have envisioned. Rodgers completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, and helped guide the Steelers to a 10–7 record and an AFC North title.