Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers’ injury is the talk of the town. He got hurt before halftime in Week 11, and it was later revealed that he fractured a bone in his wrist. However, it’s to his non-throwing hand, and he avoided surgery, so he could play this week. The biggest concern is his safety. There’s a chance that Rodgers’ injury worsens if he plays. James Harrison believes it’s too risky to have the veteran quarterback suit up this week.
“It ain’t about you not being able to,” Harrison said Friday on his Deebo and Joe podcast. “You’re going to go throw that wrist out to protect yourself from hitting the ground. Now, it may no longer be a fracture. It may be a total break. I don’t think it’s smart for him to actually play. I believe that we can beat this team as long as Mason [Rudolph] can go out there and be effective.”
Rodgers wouldn’t be the first quarterback to play through this kind of injury. However, he’s almost 42 years old. That already creates concerns about his durability. Adding an injury to that doesn’t help the situation.
The Steelers’ offensive game plan will have to be catered toward minimizing Rodgers’ risk if he plays against the Bears. While his ability to throw the ball shouldn’t be impacted too heavily, he’ll be limited in some respects. One of the biggest hindrances would be his ability to take snaps under center. The Steelers would likely have to work mostly out of the gun.
Also, Rodgers might have some difficulties handing the ball off with his left hand. Therefore, his injury could also affect the Steelers’ run game.
Like Harrison mentions, Rodgers’ health would be in danger, too. The Steelers have plenty of important games remaining on their schedule, including two matchups against the Baltimore Ravens. They’ll need Rodgers for those games. Having him play and hurt himself further against the Bears could end up being worse for the Steelers in the long run.
They’ve won games with Rudolph before, too. He’s not perfect, but he’s a fine backup. If the rest of the team plays well, then Rudolph and the Steelers can beat the Bears.
However, the Steelers have had plenty of issues this year. Their offense has stumbled in recent weeks, and their defense hasn’t lived up to expectations. The Steelers might not have enough around Rudolph to pull off a win in Chicago.
Harrison’s concerns are valid, but we’ll see if Rodgers and the Steelers agree. Considering the four-time NFL MVP’s history against the Bears, he’ll likely want to get on the field. However, protecting him is important, too. Even if it’s from himself.
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