Aaron Rodgers avoids surgery on his fractured left wrist and is pushing to play on Sunday at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. The 41-year-old Steelers QB underwent further tests Monday that cleared him of surgical intervention, but team doctors must still sign off before he takes the field. Reported byTom Pelissero and NFL Network, the update reshuffles Pittsburgh’s Week 12 storyline and raises immediate questions about protection and ball security.
Aaron Rodgers Injury Update Tightens Steelers’ Week 12 Stakes
Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walk off the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walk off the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Aaron Rodgers is not planning to sit. The veteran wants back this week and is pushing hard to play. Scans from Monday revealed a minor fracture in his left, non-throwing wrist, but doctors say it doesn’t require surgery, a difference that matters for availability. Playing because surgery was avoided is still conditional; clearance and functional testing will ultimately determine the final decision.
Ball security becomes a primary concern. Even in the non-throwing hand, wrist pain can affect catches, exchanges, and snaps. The 41-year-old’s pocket IQ helps, but the Steelers must weigh that against turnover risk and contact exposure. Expect taped-up reps, limited live contact, and a protective brace if he participates in practice. Coaches will also simplify some reads and lean on quick-pass concepts to limit extended pocket time.
“Rodgers is pushing to play Sunday at Chicago. But doctors must clear him and his status moving forward is TBD.” saidTom Pelissero, NFL Network.
Pelissero first posted the update on November 18, 2025, and noted Rodgers’ push to play in Chicago on Sunday; NFL analysts, includingIan Rapoport, have discussed the exact timeline on air. If cleared, Pittsburgh keeps its veteran centerpiece. If not, Mason Rudolph alters cadence, protection calls, and the offensive script, adopting a different temperament and risk profile.
Between now and kickoff, the staff will measure swelling, grip strength, and secure-ball drills. This week will be run like a medical exam: data-driven, cautious, and contingency-ready. The outcome will hinge less on bone healing and more on functional control and ball security under pressure.
This isn’t season-ending. But it’s a calculated risk for a 41-year-old veteran chasing wins. If Aaron Rodgers gets cleared, the Steelers will still be conservative in-script and heavy on protection. If not, the offense pivots quickly, and the Week 12 game plan looks very different. Either way, this update just turned the week into a short, high-stakes audition for health, grit, and roster depth.