In what could be the 41-year-old quarterback’s final season, the Pittsburgh Steelers signal caller has been a model of consistency. He hasn’t been injured and has remained upright for a team that is atop the AFC North.
For a team like the Steelers, that is exactly what they were looking for. Unfortunately for Rodgers and the Steelers, that run came to an end in Week 11.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback suffered a wrist injury during the team’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals – putting a damper on the blowout win.
With the Baltimore Ravens lurking in the shadows, the Steelers can’t afford to slip up – or see a key player leave the starting lineup.
Tests will ultimately tell the tale of Rodgers’ injury and his eventual return, but it could be a sleepless few nights in the Steel City leading to Week 11.
Here’s the latest on how much time Rodgers could miss.
How long is Aaron Rodgers out?
Rodgers’ timeline for a return is unclear.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Nov. 17 that Rodgers is ‘pushing to play’ against the Bears in Week 12. Rapoport also said Rodgers has about a 50% chance to play, with tests on Nov. 17 determining whether he can grip a football and if he could injure himself further should he make his next start.
The belief is that the quarterback suffered ‘a slight break” his left wrist, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Rodgers will undergo further testing on Nov. 17, which will determine the full extent of the injuries and lay out a potential timeline for his return.
While the potential fracture paints a grim picture, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the issue is not believed to be a long-term thing.
Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t have much clarity on Rodgers after the game.
‘He’ll be evaluated in the morning,’ Tomlin told reporters. ‘I’ll give you guys more information there.’
Mason Rudolph came in to replace the injured quarterback at the start of the second half. It’s unclear if he would continue to start if Rodgers is sidelined going forward.
Aaron Rodgers injury update
Rodgers suffered a left wrist injury against the Bengals and didn’t return. The Steelers initially called it a left hand injury.
Rudolph was seen warming up prior to the second half in Week 11 and replaced Rodgers on the Steelers’ first drive in the third quarter.
When asked about Rodgers’ ability to return to the contest, Tomlin said, ‘We’re hopeful but we better get Mason Rudolph ready to go.’
Steelers QB depth chart
Aaron Rodgers
Mason Rudolph
Will Howard
While the Steelers don’t want to be without Rodgers, they do have an experienced backup in Rudolph.