Steelers' Aaron Rodgers to play in Week 13 against Bills despite fractured wrist

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to start in Sundays matchup versus the Buffalo Bills, head coach Mike Tomlin announced Friday. Rodgers had missed last weeks game against the Chicago Bears due to a fractured wrist on his non-throwing arm sustained in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph took over following Rodgers injury, finishing the Bengals game with 12 completions on 16 attempts for 127 yards and one touchdown, helping secure the Steelers victory.

Rodgers underwent additional evaluation after the injury, which confirmed that surgery is not required. Tomlin explained that Rodgers Week 12 participation would depend on safety considerations, but after limited practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, he was officially ruled out for that game. In Rodgers absence, Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during a 31-28 loss to the Bears.

Over five seasons with the Steelers, Rodgers has an 8-5-1 record as a starter. In the game prior to his injury, he struggled against the Los Angeles Chargers, throwing for 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, resulting in a 50.6 NFL passer ratingthe sixth-lowest of his career in a single start.

This season, the 41-year-old has accumulated 1,969 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Rodgers joined Pittsburgh on a one-year contract as a key offseason addition in June, alongside wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was acquired in March via a second-round draft pick trade and subsequently signed to a five-year, $150 million extension.

Rodgers will also be missing starting left tackle Broderick Jones this week due to a neck injury sustained in Week 12. Calvin Anderson filled in at the position, allowing only one pressure on 13 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF.

Analysis: Aaron Rodgers' Return and the Steelers' Upcoming Challenge

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to have Aaron Rodgers back as the starting quarterback against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday comes after a challenging period for the veteran. Rodgers had missed the previous game due to a fractured wrist, and while the injury was serious, it was determined that surgery was not required. Despite this, his limited participation in practice this week raised concerns about his readiness, but coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Rodgers has cleared those hurdles.

Rodgers’ performance this season has been a mixed bag, with 1,969 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His last outing before the injury was particularly troubling, with a poor showing against the Los Angeles Chargers. With the Steelers currently dealing with several key injuries, including starting left tackle Broderick Jones, Rodgers’ return is crucial for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes. However, the absence of Jones this week could place additional pressure on Rodgers, especially given the Bills’ formidable defense.

Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph showed resilience in Rodgers’ absence, leading the team through a tough loss to the Bears, but his performance was not enough to secure a win. This places even more emphasis on Rodgers to perform at a high level as the Steelers face the Bills in a crucial game.

As Pittsburgh prepares for Sunday’s game, the team's ability to adjust to these injuries, particularly along the offensive line, will be key. While Rodgers' return should provide a boost, the overall success of the team will depend on how well the supporting players, including Rudolph and Anderson, step up in the absence of Jones.

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• Steelers' Aaron Rodgers to start Week 13 against Bills, will play through fractured wrist