A tale as old as time, Aaron Rodgers coming to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears is in jeopardy for what many believed might be the final time fans get to witness the matchup. Throughout his career with the Green Bay Packers, the four-time MVP dominated his divisional rivals.
Now, as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he had a chance to prove that some things never change. Unfortunately, his status for the game isn’t confirmed thanks to a brutal injury. Ahead of Sunday’s clash, head coach Mike Tomlin explained what the situation was like.
Will Aaron Rodgers Play Against the Bears?
A career 24-5 record is just a facsimile of the domination Rodgers has wielded over Chicago. Completing over 67% of his passes while throwing for close to 7,000 passing yards and 64 touchdowns against 10 interceptions offers a better look at how good he has been against what might be his favorite opponent.
This year, it seemed like he had a chance to add to that legacy, albeit with a different historic franchise. But, facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, the former Super Bowl champion went down in the second half with a fractured left wrist.
As a result, his status for Sunday’s game has been in doubt ever since. On the official injury report, Rodgers has been listed as a limited participant every time this week, leading to increased doubt about his chances of suiting up.
Finally, Tomlin spoke to beat reporter Chris Adamski about what the quarterback situation looks like heading into the game. “I thought I saw a solid effort. But it’s Friday, and we still got some time. He was listed as a partial participant, given a questionable designation, and we’ll see where the weekend leads us.”
On Saturday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Rodgers is a true game-time decision for the Steelers. “Aaron Rodgers, who has been pushing to play all week despite a fracture in his left wrist, is hoping to take the decision up to game time,” he wrote on X. “Doctors have been cautious, but Rodgers wants to go and believes he can protect himself.”
A few hours before the game, Tomlin confirmed that Rodgers would not play against the Bears today. With the four-time NFL MVP out, the hopes for the Steelers will shift to Mason Rudolph, a third-round pick for them in 2018, who won three consecutive games in his last stint with the franchise to help them secure a playoff spot.
Mason Rudolph will be starting at QB today for the Steelers, Mike Tomlin tells @EvanWashburn pic.twitter.com/5xdy28COps
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 23, 2025
For the time being, the 10-time Pro Bowler isn’t willing to guarantee an appearance as well. Despite acknowledging the magnitude of the game, he also brought into focus what his barometer was for playing. “Got to get the OK and got to feel like I can protect myself.”
This season, Rodgers has thrown for 1,969 passing yards and 19 touchdowns while costing seven interceptions. Ranked 27th on PFSN’s QB Impact, it has been an underwhelming year from one of the all-time greats.
However, that doesn’t take away from what this game means to him. “There’s incentive for every opponent, but I have enjoyed many a Sunday and Monday, and Thursdays in that city. It’s a great sports town, phenomenal sports fans, and a great place to play.”
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Insights for Week 12
Team: Pittsburgh’s final seven games include three games against teams currently in a playoff spot and two games with the Ravens, who trail the Steelers by one game in the AFC North.
QB: Aaron Rodgers has a 69.0 (D+) QBi this season. It’s the third time he’s had a season at a D+ level (2015, 2022).
Offense: The Steelers have committed eight turnovers in their four losses, but only two in their six wins.
Defense: Pittsburgh scored an 83.8 (B) DEFi against the Bengals in Week 11. It was the second-highest score of the season.
Fantasy: DK Metcalf opened the season with four straight games in which he didn’t catch a deep pass, and he’s stuck in another string of four straight such games, a flaw that isn’t likely to reverse with Aaron Rodgers (wrist) ailing.
