Heading into Week 12, there was great optimism that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be able to pull off a victory over the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears. After all, starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a 24-5 career record over the Bears thanks to his dominant play against Chicago during his long tenure with the Green Bay Packers.
Unfortunately, though, Rodgers was not able to play against the Bears in Week 12. He suffered a fracture in his left wrist (non-throwing hand) in Week 11 and, despite his desire to play, was held out of what was probably his final visit to Chicago.
The Steelers fell 31-28 in that game with backup quarterback Mason Rudolph completing 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and an 86.9 passer rating.
To make matters worse for Pittsburgh, the Baltimore Ravens won their fifth game in a row and took over the lead in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin believes Aaron Rodgers could play in Week 13
Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Given the fact that Rodgers’ injury was on his non-throwing hand, many hoped that he would be able to play in Week 12. And while the team ultimately decided to keep him out, head coach Mike Tomlin indicated on Tuesday that the four-time NFL MVP could very well return to play when the Steelers take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 13:
Mike Tomlin said he has “great optimism” Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will be able to play against the Bills. “I’m comfortable with his general trajectory,” Tomlin said.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) November 25, 2025
Of course, this is no guarantee that Rodgers will be able to play, but it is a good sign that the future Pro Football Hall of Famer will be returning to the field sooner rather than later.
And just in time for the Steelers, too, who are facing a tough final six games that they need to win in order to keep pace with the rest of the AFC’s playoff hopefuls.
At 6-5, Pittsburgh is currently in second place in the AFC North and on the outside looking in of the overall AFC playoff picture. Their final six games include the aforementioned matchup against Buffalo as well as two crucial games against the Ravens, one against the Cleveland Browns, and one against Rodgers’ old rival, the Detroit Lions.
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