The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to earn a resounding 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. They did so despite being without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the second half of Sunday’s game.
Rodgers suffered an apparent injury to his left wrist at the end of the half. The 41-year-old was seen flexing his non-throwing hand and cradling it after taking a hit from a Bengals defender, but he remained in the game.
Rodgers was seen warming up ahead of the second half. At that time, he had been deemed ‘questionable’ to return.
Mike Tomlin said the following when asked about the quarterback’s second-half availability.
‘We’re hopeful but we better get Mason Rudolph ready to go,’ Tomlin said.
Here’s what Tomlin said about Rodgers’ injury and when fans might know more about the veteran’s status moving forward.
What happened to Aaron Rodgers?
The good news? NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report the belief is the injury ‘is nothing long term’ despite in-stadium X-rays showing a small fracture.
The NFL insider reports come after Tomlin confirmed during his postgame news conference that Rodgers had suffered an injury to his left wrist. The 53-year-old coach did not provide an update on the severity of Rodgers’ injury.
‘He’ll be evaluated in the morning,’ Tomlin told reporters. ‘I’ll give you guys more information there.’
Tomlin was not asked during his availability what the team would do if Rodgers were out long-term. However, he praised backup quarterback Mason Rudolph for his performance in relief of Rodgers.
‘Mason’s proven in the past what he showed today,’ Tomlin said. ‘That’s why we value him as a member of this collective. Appreciative of his play.’
Rudolph completed 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals. His numbers were similar to those of Rodgers, who completed 9 of 15 passes for 116 yards and one score.
