The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, injured his wrist last week against the Bengals and left the game early. That fracture in his left wrist lingered throughout the week. The star QB did practice on a limited basis but wasn’t ready to go full throttle.

But now it’s confirmed Rodgers won’t be suiting up against the Bears. 

“I’ll provide you with complete clarity. He’s [Rodgers] not going to play today,” head coach Mike Tomlin told NBC Sports’ Evan Washburn. “He fought his tail off all week. But that’s the prudent play to make for us as a collective. So, he won’t be playing this week. We’ll let Mason [Rudolph] start, and obviously, he’s absorbed most of the reps this week.”

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“No Aaron Rodgers: Steelers HC Mike Tomlin told @EvanWashburn in a pregame interview that Mason Rudolph will start today vs. Chicago,” Adam Schefter reported.

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The decision to hold Rodgers out came down to caution and team strategy. The quarterback showed toughness throughout the week, but sitting him out is a collective choice to avoid risking further injury.

While it’s not the throwing wrist, the injury still posed a significant risk of worsening if he played. Rodgers pushed through with limited practice and was even labeled “questionable” for today’s game.

The Steelers are leading in the AFC North with a 6-4 record. A-Rod’s stats reveal a solid 66.4% completion rate, 1,969 yards passing, 19 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. But there is another interesting fact. Rodgers holds a career 25-5 record against the Chicago Bears from his days with the Packers.

Coach Tomlin emphasized that Mason Rudolph has taken most of the reps this week and is ready to take the reins. With Rodgers on the sidelines, the team will lean heavily on its backup to keep the momentum going.

Mason Rudolph, backup QB, steps up in the absence of Aaron Rodgers

Rudolph was drafted by the Steelers in the third round (76th overall) in 2018. He has had multiple stints with the team, including a year with the Tennessee Titans in 2024. This offseason, Rudolph re-signed with the Steelers on a two-year deal worth $7.5 million, including $3 million guaranteed. 

Rudolph’s rookie season showed promise, with ten games played and eight starts, achieving a 5-3 record as a starter. Rest assured, he hasn’t consistently held the starting job.

Last season with the Titans, he started five games and showed flashes of good quarterback play while working as a backup to Will Levis. He threw for 1,530 yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Mason’s ability to step in and manage the offense at a professional level is critical for Pittsburgh as they face the Bears at Soldier Field. 

In 2025, he’s set to make a base salary of $1,255,000, alongside signing and workout bonuses. His role this year has primarily been as a backup, but his experience and familiarity with the Steelers’ system can make a difference.