Aaron Rodgers Out Against Bears with Wrist Injury

CHICAGO, Ill. — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not play against the Chicago Bears today due to a wrist fracture he sustained last week, the team announced Sunday.

Mason Rudolph, who threw for 127 yards and a touchdown in the second half against the Bengals in Week 11, will get the starting nod in Chicago. Rookie Will Howard will serve as the backup.

“(Rodgers) fought his tail off all week, but that’s the prudent play for us to make as a collective,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told CBS Sports from the Soldier Field tunnel on Sunday morning.

After focusing on rehabilitation Wednesday, Rodgers participated in limited practices Thursday and Friday with support on his injured left wrist. Tomlin mentioned the importance of bracing the wrist to ensure Rodgers’ comfort and safety.

Rodgers confirmed the injury occurred during a second-and-goal play against the Bengals, describing how he fell awkwardly after throwing the ball out of bounds and landed on his left hand. He initially hoped to continue but did not return after halftime.

This matchup against the Bears holds special significance for Rodgers, who is known for his success at Soldier Field, boasting a 12-3 record as a visiting quarterback. This would have been his first start in Chicago since leaving the Green Bay Packers after the 2022 season.

With Rodgers sidelined, Rudolph will look to take advantage of the opportunity garnered from the veteran’s injury. Drafted in the third round in 2018, Rudolph was once seen as the heir apparent to Ben Roethlisberger and has experience in crucial situations.

In eight starts during his first season as a starter in 2019, Rudolph achieved a 5-3 record with a completion percentage of 62.2, showcasing his potential to lead the team effectively amid a challenging season.

Rodgers’ absence creates an opportunity for Rudolph to step back into the spotlight, as his previous performances have instilled confidence among his teammates.