The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a huge game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers made an impression during pregame warmups at Soldier Field. Unfortunately, the Steelers' starting quarterback will not be playing in Sunday's important matchup.
CBS Sports' Evan Washburn caught up with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before Sunday's game. He asked about the status of Pittsburgh's 41-year-old quarterback.
“Aaron Rodgers listed as questionable with a left wrist injury, can you provide us with any clarity on his status for this game?” Washburn asked.
Tomlin confirmed to Washburn that Rodgers will not play in Week 12. Backup Mason Rudolph will fill in as Pittsburgh's starter.
“I'll provide you with complete clarity,” Tomlin began. “He's not going to play today. He fought his tail off all week but that's the prudent play for us to make as a collective. So he won't be playing this week, we'll let Mason start and obviously he's absorbed most of the reps this week.”
Rodgers had been “pushing to play” against the Bears this week, no doubt due in part to his history playing against them.
Perhaps Rodgers can make his return in Week 13.
Steelers looking to stay atop AFC North with win over Bears in Week 12
Another reason why Rodgers probably wanted to play in Week 12 is the huge stakes on Sunday's matchup with the Bears.
Pittsburgh is 6-4 and has a one-game lead over Baltimore in the AFC North standings. Rodgers' injury makes the Steelers vulnerable at a crucial portion of the regular season.
If Pittsburgh drops this game, the Ravens could overtake them in just a few weeks. Meanwhile, finding a way to get an upset win over the Bears would buy the Steelers more time for Rodgers to get healthy.
The Steelers and Ravens play each other twice during the final five weeks of the regular season. If Pittsburgh cannot get a win on Sunday, they may need to sweep the Ravens to guarantee a spot in the postseason.
Either way, the safest path is to take care of Chicago in Week 12.
Steelers at Bears kicks off at 1PM ET on Sunday.
