Aaron Rodgers exited Sunday’s game with a wrist injury and did not return for the entire second half. He reportedly wanted to return during the game, but the Steelers told him no to play it safe. The x-ray at the stadium revealed a fracture, according to Ian Rapoport. Here’s the full update from NFL Network’s top insider.
“Here is our understanding…Rodgers does have a tiny fracture in his left wrist. That is what the x-ray at the stadium revealed yesterday,” Rapoport said via Good Morning Football. “Rodgers, to my understanding, has told people close to him that he’ll be back very soon. He has told more people close to him that he does not want to miss a game. He is pushing to play in this game. I know it seems crazy because he broke a bone in his wrist, but it is a left wrist. If he’s able to receive the ball on the snap, it’s actually possible that Rodgers could play this week.
“I had someone tell me that he was essentially 50-50 to play this week.”
The Steelers tend to play things safe, especially when it comes to quarterback injuries. But a fractured bone has less grey area than a soft tissue injury like the one Russell Wilson experienced last season. Especially with it being in his non-throwing hand, whether or not he plays will depend on the stability of his wrist and the risk of further injury.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, surgery is possible to insert a plate and screw. One would think surgery means that Rodgers misses at least a game or two, if not more. But Rodgers seems to be telling those close to him that he’ll barely miss time, if any.
Long-time Pittsburgh backup Mason Rudolph stepped into the game up 10-6, and helped guide the team to a 34-12 final score. He got the help of two defensive touchdowns along the way, but he also led a crucial 12-play scoring drive while completing six of seven pass attempts for 74 yards and a touchdown. That score gave the Steelers a 15-point lead to put the Bengals out of reach.
The Steelers trust Rudolph, which could complicate Rodgers’ timeline. They could opt to play it safe knowing that they have one of the league’s best backups available and ready to play. The Steelers’ next two games are on the road against the Chicago Bears and at home against the Buffalo Bills.
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