PITTSBURGH --Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to practice on Thursday in a wrist brace as he hopes to try and play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Rodgers was seen sporting the brace, which is something he has been fitted for this week. He also attempted shotgun and under center snaps as a way to get a gauge on how playing might feel.
The key indications for him to play will be all about safety and functionality. Rodgers wants to be able to protect himself, but he also needs to be sure that he can function in the basics of the quarterback position.
“It’d be a safety thing. … Gotta get the OK and gotta feel like I can protect myself," Rodgers said.
As for what the limitations might be, Rodgers admitted it could be be difficult to take a snap under center, though he would still think he can do it. Shotgun and pistol snaps are easier with the wrist issue.
“I would say it’d be difficult to take a snap under center than catch one in the gun and there’s been times in my career where we have adjusted and gone to some pistol sets if we need to, to still keep the spacing on the run distribution between the halfback and the quarterback, but the goal would be to take snaps from under center,” Rodgers said.
The injury occurred when Rodgers was nearly sacked on a second down before the half ended. He threw up a ball for Kenneth Gainwell, but two defenders landed on him. As he landed on the ground, Rodgers’ left hand appeared bloodied.
On top of that, Rodgers landed on his outstretched hand and suffered an injury to his wrist. Given that it is his non-throwing hand, that could expedite a return to play, but players were told coming out of halftime that Mason Rudolph would take over for Rodgers moving forward.
Rudolph played well in relief of Rodgers, completing 12 of 16 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers travel to Chicago to face a red-hot Bears team that is looking to continue their winning ways after a 19-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
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