The Pittsburgh Steelers prevented Aaron Rodgers from re-entering Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Per Mike Florio, Rodgers tried to go back into the game but was denied by the team. Instead, Rodgers watched the entire second half as Mason Rudolph closed out the win.
“I’m told he actually tried to come back in the game,” Florio said of Rodgers ahead of Sunday night’s game. “They didn’t let him play. They’re going to have imaging examinations tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury.”
Rodgers injured his wrist late in the first half and was seen clutching it in the following minutes, including during a timeout. He did not seem to receive immediate medical attention. Rodgers threw one more pass to finish out the drive before the end of the half. Pittsburgh played Mason Rudolph in the second half while Rodgers wasn’t spotted on the sidelines.
Rudolph finished the game 12-of-16 for 127 yards and one touchdown, earning praise from Mike Tomlin after the game.
As shown by NBC in the above photo, Rodgers wore a grey hoodie and had his left hand tucked in his pocket while he congratulated teammates after the Steelers’ 34-12 win. It appears Rodgers is wearing some sort of black brace on his injured left wrist, too, though he hid it well.
The fact Rodgers attempted to come back is possibly one small sign the injury is not significant. The injury being to his non-throwing hand is also important and makes the injury perhaps one more of pain tolerance than anything else. Still, Rodgers has to be able to protect himself and Pittsburgh clearly wasn’t comfortable allowing him to return. Instead, Monday’s tests will offer answers how much time Rodgers will miss, if any.
Pittsburgh hits the road to take on the Chicago Bears this weekend. If Rodgers is healthy, he’ll play. If not, Rudolph will earn his first start of the season. Right now, the starter is completely up in the air.
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