Why isn’t Aaron Rodgers playing for the Steelers against the Bears? Rodgers injury explained

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without Aaron Rodgers for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, leaving long-time backup Mason Rudolph to start in his place.

The news was confirmed by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin ahead of the game, saying that Rodgers had "fought his tail off all week" to be fit.

Tomlin explained the decision not to play Rodgers: “That’s the prudent play to make for us as a collective. We’ll let Mason start; he’s absorbed most of the reps this week.”

The 40-year-old had been listed as questionable all week due to a fractured left wrist. He missed Wednesday’s team practice and was a partial participant on Thursday and Friday.

Without Rodgers behind center, the pressure falls on Rudolph to step up. His last NFL start came during a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans last year, playing in Week 17 of the 2024 season. During his time with the Titans Rudolph went 1-4 as a starter.

Previously he did play a key role down the stretch during Pittsburgh’s 2023 season. He started four games in 2023, including three consecutive victories to end the season and qualify for the playoffs. This year the Steelers are 6-4 and sit top of the AFC North.

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