The Aaron Rodgers move to the Pittsburgh Steelers came with the trademark fanfare associated with one of the biggest names in the entire sport. However, there was one major concern for the team, and that was the health of a 41-year-old.
With his mobility diminished, the Steelers had to change their entire game plan to ensure their offensive line could protect Rodgers from being constantly blasted. For 10 weeks, that plan went off without a hitch. However, against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, the worst fears for the organization came to fruition.
What Happened to Aaron Rodgers?
A four-time MVP and former Super Bowl champion, Rodgers was seen as the savior for Pittsburgh in a way he couldn’t be for the New York Jets. With a Mike Tomlin-led defense, the hope was that they could finally break their playoff losing streak.
Through 10 weeks, Rodgers had been consistently solid, leading to a 5-4 record for the franchise. However, tragedy struck in Week 11. As Adam Schefter confirmed on X, Rodgers was off the field, with Mason Rudolph taking his place.
The NFL insider wrote, “Steelers QB Mason Rudolph now has replaced Aaron Rodgers, whom the Steelers say ‘has a left hand injury and is questionable to return to today’s game.'”
Ranked 12th on PFSN’s QB Impact, his overall numbers on the season have been solid. Entering this game, he had 1,853 passing yards and 18 touchdowns to his credit, while throwing just seven interceptions.
Before his injury, he was already up to 116 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals, while completing nine of his 15 passing attempts. In his absence, Rudolph did a great job and led the Steelers to an important win.
After the game, it was revealed that the four-time NFL MVP has “a slight break” in his left, non-throwing wrist.” More tests will be conducted on Rodgers tomorrow, and only then will we know the extent of his injury.
The initial concern is that Aaron Rodgers has, in the words of one source, “a slight break” his left wrist, but the Steelers quarterback will underdgo further testing Monday to determine the full extent of the injury and how long he’ll be sidelined, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/Or2YHzFMBk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025
The Steelers will play the Chicago Bears next week, and Rodgers, given his history, would not want to miss the matchup against them.
Fantasy Outlook After Rodgers’ Injury
Rodgers was supposed to be in a dream spot against a Bengals defense he torched during their last meeting. Of course, things rarely go as planned.
Rodgers himself is nothing more than a matchup-based streamer. But his presence helps support the fantasy values of DK Metcalf and Jaylen Warren.
Mason Rudolph is a competent backup, but he’s obviously not Rodgers. If he has to make starts, it’s a downgrade for every Steelers offensive weapon.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.