The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a crucial 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in their second divisional matchup of the season, but the win came at a significant cost. Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers exited the game at halftime with a wrist injury and did not return, casting a shadow over the team’s first-place standing.
How Long Will Aaron Rodgers Be Sidelined?
Following the game, reports confirmed that Rodgers suffered a “slight break” in his left wrist. While veteran backup Mason Rudolph stepped in and played well during the second half of the Week 11 contest, the team’s long-term success clearly hinges on Rodgers’ health. The immediate question on everyone’s mind is how long the Steelers will be without their starting quarterback.
Luckily for the Steelers and their fans, this injury is not expected to keep Rodgers out for an extended period. According to NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Rodgers underwent further testing that confirmed he will not require surgery. The future Hall of Famer is reportedly pushing to play in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, but his status remains uncertain for now.
Head coach Mike Tomlin provided some insight into the situation. “Really it’s just about bracing it and securing it for his comfort and safety,” Tomlin explained. “And then it’s about how functional he is.”
The injury marks a rare setback for Rodgers, who has played in all 10 games for Pittsburgh in 2025 and appeared in all 17 games for the New York Jets in 2024. This durability follows his recovery from a torn Achilles that cost him the entire 2023 season.
In his first year as a Steeler, Rodgers has thrown for 1,969 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His performance has earned him a 69.0 grade from PFSN’s QB Impact ranking, placing him 27th out of 38 qualified passers.
While Rodgers has not been playing at his vintage, MVP level, he has guided the Steelers to a 6-4 record and first place in the AFC North. With the surging Baltimore Ravens now just one game behind, Pittsburgh cannot afford to be without its leader for long.
If Rodgers is unable to play in Week 12, the team will likely turn to Rudolph once again. In his relief appearance on Sunday, Rudolph was efficient, completing 12 of his 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. Although Rudolph has 18 career starts, his track record has been mixed. The veteran has accumulated 4,754 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions in his career.
Looking ahead, the schedule does not get any easier. After the Week 12 game, the Steelers face two critical opponents: a Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, followed by a trip to Baltimore to take on the Ravens in Week 14.