During his weekly Tuesday press conference, Mike Tomlin offered an update on injured Pittsburgh Steelers players, starting with QB Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a left wrist injury in Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
“Aaron’s got a fracture in his wrist,” Tomlin said via the team’s YouTube channel. “It does not require surgery. Really, it’s about bracing it and securing it for his comfort and safety. And then, it’s about how functional he is. So we don’t have the answers to that as we stand here today. But certainly, I would imagine we’ll get some clarity as we push through the week.”
Tomlin’s words follow an NFL Network report that Rodgers won’t need surgery and is “pushing” to play against the Chicago Bears this weekend.
Tomlin pointed out Rodgers’ experience as an aid knowing his reps will be limited. Tomlin noted Rodgers’ status will be revisited throughout the week.
“A little later in the week, we’ll take a look at Aaron,” Tomlin said, noting Friday will be a key decision day for Rodgers.
With Rodgers set to miss practice time, Tomlin pointed to Mason Rudolph and Will Howard benefitting from reps. Tomlin also confirmed reporting that Rodgers attempted to go back into the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Elsewhere, Tomlin offered details on other injured Steelers.
“Alex Highsmith is still limited with his pec,” he said. “He’ll be limited at the early portions of the week. If there’s an uptick in his participation and certainly good quality work, we’ll consider him. Ke’Shawn Williams is in the protocol. We’ll let the protocol speak for itself. I would imagine [Darius] Slay is on the other side of the protocol so we should be able to have him back this week. Similarly optimistic with Cole Holcomb.
“Jaylen Warren had an ankle injury in-game. It will certainly limit him in the early portions of the week, but I think we are all optimistic about his inclusion as we push through the week.”
Rodgers was injured late in the first half of Sunday’s game after falling to the ground. He immediately began grabbing his left wrist, his non-throwing hand, and was in obvious discomfort. Rodgers remained in the game for one more play before Pittsburgh settled for a field goal.
Mason Rudolph played the entire second half while Rodgers was evaluated. He was spotted post-game in a hoodie with his left hand tucked in its pocket, though cameras caught him with a brace on his left wrist. Post-game, Tomlin said he would undergo further testing Monday.
Sunday night, reports indicated that Rodgers suffered a “slight” break in his left wrist and was 50-50 to play in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Rodgers is known for having a high pain tolerance and playing through injuries. Doctors will have to clear him, but Rodgers could try to suit up this weekend. If not, Rudolph will get the nod for his first start of the season.
Warren tweaked his ankle in the second half of the Bengals game. He briefly returned to the field but was pulled back off it after a timeout. He did not play an official snap after getting hurt but stayed in uniform and Tomlin said he could have returned to the game if needed. He ran for 62 yards before getting hurt.
Williams was injured on the opening kickoff and must clear the multi-step process of concussion protocol. Defensive back D’Shawn Jamison replaced him on kicks while Calvin Austin III took over punts against the Bengals.
Several Steelers missed the game due to injury. Slay, Holcomb, and Highsmith were all inactive and will try to work their way back for the weekend. Holcomb seems on track to play after missing three games with an unknown illness. James Pierre replaced Slay at corner, Malik Harrison subbed in for Holcomb, and Nick Herbig started for Highsmith. CB Cory Trice Jr. remains on injured reserve with his 21-day window closing tomorrow. If not activated, he’ll spend the rest of the season on injured reserve. He has not practiced since sustaining a knee injury.
Pittsburgh will release its first injury report Wednesday with its final edition Friday.
The Steelers and Bears kick off at 1 PM/EST on Sunday.
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