The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing off against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.
This game has much significance for the 6-5 Steelers, as they are in a tight race for the AFC North division title with the Baltimore Ravens (6-6). Knowing this, starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is deciding to battle through an injury sustained in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals and play. He missed Pittsburgh’s Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
It appears Rodgers’ injury is much more serious than most realized, as a shocking detail was recently revealed.
How Serious Is Aaron Rodgers’ Injury?
Although Rodgers is off the injury report and it was shared Saturday he will start against the Bills, his situation is more concerning than many would have hoped.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced that “Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers, who is set to start today, will do so despite several broken bones in his left wrist, sources say. Rodgers has at least 3 fractures, one of which is a more consequential break that can only happen with significant force. And he’s playing, regardless.”
Playing with three fractures in his non-throwing hand is no laughing matter. It just goes to show how dedicated Rodgers is to winning even at age 41. He is the No. 27-ranked QB in PFSN’s metrics, throwing for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Rodgers being back in the mix is fantastic news for Steelers fans, but it doesn’t negate the impact the Week 12 loss to the Bears had on their playoff chances.
If the Steelers had won against the Bears, according to the PFSN NFL Playoff Predictor, the Steelers would have had a 75.20% chance of making the NFL playoffs. The loss, though, now gives Pittsburgh a 57.20% chance of making the playoffs.
As for winning the AFC North Division, a victory over Chicago would have put the Steelers’ division-winning chances at 65.0%. However, the loss now reduces the Steelers’ division-winning chances to 50.0%.
A win in Pittsburgh with Rodgers under center against the Bills would do wonders for their postseason aspirations.