Returning to practice Thursday, there’s still no definitive word on if Aaron Rodgers will play Sunday against the Chicago Bears. The growing sentiment is that he will, a thought the PPG’s Ray Fittipaldo echoed during a Thursday interview.
“He went through individual today and was limited, so that was a good sign,” Fittipaldo told 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller.” I think it’s better than 50 percent right now. I would say anywhere, 55, 65 percent, somewhere in that range.”
Rodgers was spotted wearing a black brace after suffering a fracture in his left, non-throwing wrist during last Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rodgers being regarded as a durable and old-school quarterback who detests missing time with “manageable” injuries, Fittipaldo’s assessment seems correct. It might even be on the low end.
Still, he cautioned there are more obstacles to clear and final say is above Rodgers’ pay grade.
“I still think he has to go out there tomorrow and do a little bit more before Tomlin signs off on it,” Fittipaldo said.
Doctors must clear him first. If so, then it becomes a decision between Rodgers and Tomlin. So far, Tomlin has shown plenty of trust in Rodgers and was the one willing to wait three months for him to officially sign with the Steelers, taking plenty of criticism for it.
Rodgers is expected to practice Friday. His participation and final injury report listing are critical to watch. Will he be limited again or will he be listed full? The Baltimore Ravens found out the perils of misreporting a quarterback’s involvement and status.
Fittipaldo thinks one last chance to play in Chicago isn’t a major motivating factor.
“The fact that it’s Chicago in Soldier Field, I just think that’s the icing on the cake,” he said.
Still, Rodgers noted his rematch against the Green Bay Packers was less sentimental because it took place in Pittsburgh. Chicago wasn’t his home, but he sure owned it with a 24-5 career record. Rodgers also appreciates history as much as any quarterback in football and would cherish one final win over the Bears in their stadium. He hasn’t played there since 2022.
Rodgers could end the week questionable as the team takes more time to make a final decision on Saturday. Pittsburgh could even wait until pre-game warmups to make final determination, though that could do more harm in preparing Mason Rudolph, should he get the nod.
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