Steelers' Aaron Rodgers aims to play vs. Bears, despite wrist fracture

by · UPI

Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers aims to play in Week 12, despite a wrist fracture, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

Rodgers inured the left wrist -- on his non-throwing arm -- and exited in the third quarter of a win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in Pittsburgh. Tomlin said no surgery is needed.

The Steelers will face the Chicago Bears on Sunday in Chicago.

"We'll see where the week leads us and we'll take it day by day," Tomlin said.

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Rodgers completed 9 of 15 passes for 116 yards and a score against the Bengals. He was replaced by backup Mason Rudolph, who completed 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a score.

Rodgers completed 66.4% of his throws for 1,969 yards, 19 scores and seven interceptions through 10 starts this season. He led the Steelers to a 6-4 record, including two victories over the last three weeks.

Tomlin said Rodgers would not practice Wednesday, but did not rule him out against the Bears.

"Really, it's just about bracing it and securing it for his comfort and safety, and then it's about how functional he is," Tomlin said of Rodgers' wrist. "We don't have the answers to that, as we stand here today, but certainly I would imagine we will get some clarity as we push through the week."

Tomlin spoke to Rodgers on Monday about his availability, and the quarterback said he want to play next weekend.

"Friday is probably a big day in terms of some of those things," Tomlin said. "I know he's working his tail off to be a component of this, this week. He and I talked yesterday. He expressed that directly."

Will Howard, who was activated last week to the Steelers' active roster, is their third-string quarterback.

The Steelers (6-4) will face the Bears (7-3) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday at Soldier Field. Rodgers has a 25-5 career record against the Bears, including the postseason.

"Aaron always wants to play, opponent has nothing to do with it," Tomlin said. "It's his love affair with the game of football."

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Cincinnati Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. rallies the fans late in the fourth quarter of the Steelers 34-12 win against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on November 16, 2025. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo