The good news Steelers Nation was waiting for might finally be here. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was missing in action despite positive rumors last week. He sat out the game against the Bears with a fractured left wrist, but is now expected to be back under center for Week 13.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers, who did not have Aaron Rodgers last week, maybe you heard about it,” Ian Rapoport reported on Good Morning Football. “It was a little bit of a story.” 

After he suffered a fractured wrist against the Bengals, the fans have been waiting to see him back in action.

“We made a whole thing about it, and then come Sunday, turns out he did not play. He’s expected to miss just one game,” Rapoport further reported. “Mike Tomlin saying he has full confidence that Aaron Rodgers is expected back this week. So with a fractured left wrist, Rodgers misses just one.”

Just a few days ago, Rodgers’ status seemed uncertain. He practiced in a limited capacity last week but had to sit out Pittsburgh’s loss. Head coach Mike Tomlin’s decision to keep him inactive was described as “prudent,” but the coach’s tone shifted to confidence this week.

“We’re comfortable with his general trajectory,” Tomlin said. “But I’ll keep you updated. His level of participation and the quality of his participation over the course of the week will be the greatest indicator.”

Despite missing one game due to a wrist injury, Rodgers ranks fifth in passing touchdowns (19) this year. The 41-year-old quarterback has completed 66.4% of his passes this season with 1,969 passing yards.

The Steelers currently sit at 6-5, with the same record as the AFC North table leaders Baltimore Ravens. With just a few games remaining before the playoffs, it’s important for Tomlin that Rodgers returns. Still, the backup plans are already in motion.

Mason Rudolph, who started last week, is ready to play if Rodgers isn’t cleared. That being said, the team also faces injury concerns on other fronts.

Mike Tomlin’s updates on other Steelers injuries

Besides Rodgers, the Pittsburgh injury report has quite a few players trying to get cleared before their home game against the Bills. Broderick Jones, the starting left tackle, will miss this week due to a neck injury. Calvin Anderson is likely to fill in for him. 

Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who also suffered an injury last week, is out, so rookie Yahya Black will step up in his place. Linebacker Alex Highsmith is listed as questionable, but Tomlin said there’s a chance he could return after missing previous games with a pectoral injury. 

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Wide receiver DK Metcalf is currently managing a left ankle injury suffered last week. He left the field briefly but returned to finish the game. HC Tomlin mentioned Metcalf will be limited in practice early this week as the team monitors his condition closely. 

While the injury isn’t expected to keep him sidelined for long, his full participation will depend on how he progresses in practice leading up to the game.

The Steelers head home to face the Bills in a high-stakes clash, with both teams sitting second in their divisions. Every play will matter as they battle to climb to the top and claim the division lead.

Before the next kickoff, it is worth looking at how leadership shapes these high-pressure moments. That is where Champ Bailey’s thoughts on Sean Payton’s influence come in.