Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference that he has “great optimism” about quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) being able to play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
“We’re comfortable with his general trajectory,” Tomlin said of his 41-year-old quarterback, who will be limited to start the week. “But I’ll keep you updated. His level of participation and the quality of his participation over the course of the week will be the greatest indicator.”
Tomlin said Rodgers “worked his tail off” to be able to play against the Bears. He reiterated that it was the prudent move to keep him out of Sunday’s game.
Tomlin revealed after Sunday’s 31-28 loss to the Bears that he made the decision for Rodgers not to play on Saturday.
When asked if Rodgers was ready to play, Tomlin replied, “Aaron’s always ready to play.”
Just a couple of hours before kickoff, Tomlin shared that the Steelers were starting backup quarterback Mason Rudolph as Rodgers continues to work his way back from a fractured left wrist, which he suffered late in the first half of their Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I’ll provide you with complete clarity,” Tomlin said. “He’s not gonna play today. He fought his tail off all week but that’s the prudent play to make for us. So he won’t be playing this week. We’ll let Mason start, and obviously, he’s absorbed most of the reps this week.”
Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes (77.4%) for 171 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and a passer rating of 86.9 in a losing effort. He also had a crucial fumble after being sacked by Montez Sweat, which resulted in a turnover.
Rodgers suffered a fractured left wrist late in the first half of the Steelers’ Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rodgers wanted to return for the second half against Cincinnati, but the Steelers’ medical staff held him back.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Mike Tomlin Gives Encouraging Injury Update on Aaron Rodgers
