The Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t know who their starting quarterback will be Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Or if they do, they’re not telling the public. Speaking to reporters Friday, Mike Tomlin acknowledged Aaron Rodgers’ progress throughout the week but did not commit to him starting this weekend.
“I thought I saw a solid effort,” Tomlin told reporters following today’s practice via The Trib’s Chris Adamski. “But it’s Friday so we still got some time. He was listed as a partial participant and given a questionable designation. And we’ll see where the weekend leads us.”
Tomlin rarely speaks to the media outside of his Tuesday press conference. But given the uncertainty of the quarterback situation, it’s not surprising to see him provide an update. Of course, it’s not a shock that Tomlin is still coy over who his starter will be in Chicago.
It’s not clear when Pittsburgh will announce who will start. The Steelers can take the decision all the way up to kickoff and keep the Bears guessing, though the Bears say they’re prepared for Rodgers or Mason Rudolph.
After missing Wednesday’s session, Rodgers worked in limited fashion during Thursday and Friday’s practices. Reporters showed Rodgers wearing a black brace after suffering a fracture in his left wrist during last Sunday’s game. Friday, reporters shared clips of Rodgers gripping the ball with his left hand, showing no obvious signs of discomfort.
All week the Steelers have stated Rodgers must show safety and functionality in order to be cleared to play Sunday. It appears he’s moved in that direction and with only a Saturday walkthrough, it’s not clear what else Pittsburgh needs to see or could learn until kickoff. Tomlin’s vague comment about his starter is likely playing the “game” with Chicago, just as he attempted to do a year ago against the New York Jets, declining to announce Justin Fields or Russell Wilson as his starter. Wilson started the game, a move most expected.
Rodgers has a 24-5 career record against Chicago with Sunday almost certainly being the last chance he’ll get to play in Soldier Field. Still, his health and effectiveness will be the deciding factor in if he plays.
Right now, Rodgers seems more likely than not to suit up. For now, he’s questionable with official word yet to come.
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