Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers underwent further tests Monday that confirmed he won’t need surgery on his fractured left wrist, according to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Pelissero notes that Rodgers is pushing to play on Sunday against the Bears at Soldier Field. But doctors must clear him and his status moving forward is to be determined.
Mike Florio of NBC Sports reported that Rodgers attempted to return on Sunday, but was overruled by the Steelers medical staff.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed during his Tuesday press conference that Rodgers has a fracture in his wrist and it does not require surgery
“Aaron’s got a fracture in his wrist. It does not require surgery. Really, it’s just about bracing it and securing it for his comfort and safety, and then it’s about how functional he is,” Tomlin said. “And so we don’t have the answers to that as we stand here today, but certainly I would imagine we’re gonna get some clarity as we push through the week.
“I think his experience really kinda aids in that. He’s the type of guy and has the type of profile that doesn’t require a lot of physical work in an effort to be ready to play, and that’s helpful.”
While the left-wrist injury won’t impact his throwing motion, Rodgers will have to show that he can still perform the rest of his duties with the injury at practice this week.
“He does not want to miss a game,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Monday. “He is pushing to play in this game. I know it sounds crazy, because he broke a bone in his wrist, but it’s his left wrist. If he’s able to grip, if he’s able to receive the ball on the snap, it is actually possible that he could play this week.”
If Rodgers is unable to play, Mason Rudolph would once again be expected to fill in as his backup. Rudolph finished Sunday’s win over the Bengals and played well, throwing for a touchdown pass and leading two second-half scorned drives.
Rookie Will Howard was reinstated from the injured reserve list this week and served as the emergency backup against the Bengals. He would serve as the No. 2 if Rodgers can’t suit up against the Bears.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting for this story.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Get Good News on Aaron Rodgers’ Left Wrist Injury
