Steelers’ Playoff Push Rests On QB Aaron Rodgers’ Recovery From Wrist Injury

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent time on the sideline after he suffered a fracture in his left, non-throwing wrist during Sunday’s 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Team officials believe Rodgers has a slight wrist injury and sent him for additional tests on Monday to determine how long he will be out.

Rodgers was injured late in the second quarter when he was tackled while he threw the ball away on a red zone play. He landed hard on his left hand and wrist. He remained in for one more snap before Chris Boswell kicked a 25-yard field goal, then did not return after halftime.

The Steelers initially listed the 41-year-old with a hand injury and ruled him questionable to return, but head coach Mike Tomlin later clarified that the issue was with Rodgers’ wrist. Tomlin said he spoke with Rodgers after the game, but that their conversation focused on the importance of the victory rather than the injury.

Before exiting, Rodgers completed 9 of 15 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown to running back Kenneth Gainwell, which helped Pittsburgh build a comfortable lead.

Backup Mason Rudolph took over to start the second half after Rodgers pointed to him in the locker room and told him he was going in. Rudolph responded with an efficient performance, going 12 of 16 for 127 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown to Gainwell as the Steelers closed out the win.

The victory lifted Pittsburgh to 6-4 and kept the Steelers on top of the AFC North, but their playoff push may now hinge on how quickly their veteran quarterback can safely play through the injury.

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Article by Ed Middlecoff