Will Aaron Rodgers Play Today Against the Chicago Bears?
UPDATE: Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin officially ruled Rodgers out for Sunday’s afternoon’s game. The star quarterback is set to return next week. Mason Rudolph will start in place of Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers, the man who once famously declared he “owned” the Chicago Bears, might not get the chance to torment his old rivals this Sunday. Now quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rodgers is nursing a wrist injury that has his status for the Week 12 matchup looking as murky as a Chicago winter morning.
Even when he’s not playing, he finds a way to get under Chicago’s skin. He strutted onto Soldier Field for a pregame walkthrough, took a leisurely lap, and, in a move that surprised absolutely no one, reportedly flipped the bird at a couple of cameras filming him.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, he used his healthy right hand for the gesture, leaving everyone to speculate about the mobility of his injured left. Classic Rodgers. He’s a master of drama, a quarterback who can stir the pot without even throwing a football. It is the kind of petty theater that makes sports great.
What’s the Latest On Rodgers’ Injury?
The official word is that Rodgers is “questionable” for Sunday’s game. He was a limited participant in practice, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin is playing it coy, telling reporters, “We’ll see where the weekend leads us.”
The injury, sustained in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, is to his left (non-throwing) wrist. While he is reportedly pushing to play, the team’s medical staff is rightfully concerned. According to NFL Media, there’s a risk of further damage if he suits up, which could potentially lead to surgery. That is a massive gamble for a team with playoff aspirations. The decision will ultimately come down to the doctors, not Rodgers’ iron will or his desire to give Bears fans one more headache.
Who’s Up If Rodgers Is Down?
If the medical team decides to play it safe, Mason Rudolph will get the start. Rudolph stepped in during the second half against the Bengals and would be tasked with leading the offense against a surprisingly tough 7-3 Bears team.
Behind Rudolph is rookie Will Howard, a sixth-round pick out of Ohio State who led the Buckeyes to a national championship but has yet to take an NFL snap. Talk about being thrown into the fire. The Steelers also have veteran Skylar Thompson on their injured reserve list, but he won’t be a factor this weekend.
So, will Rodgers play? It’s the million-dollar question. Knowing him, he’ll probably keep everyone guessing until the last possible second, all while enjoying the chaos he’s created. Whether he’s on the field or on the sideline, one thing is certain: Aaron Rodgers always makes his presence known.
