The Steelers’ narrow 28-31 loss to the Bears last Sunday left them tied with the Ravens at 6-5 atop the AFC North entering this Sunday’s anticipated matchup against the Bills. As a result, fans are increasingly hopeful for quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ possible return to the Steelers’ lineup.
In a surprising decision made last Sunday, the Steelers opted to rest quarterback Aaron Rodgers despite many previews indicating that the veteran would be the starting quarterback against the Bears. On Tuesday, we had important updates involving the wrist fracture and Rodgers’ chances of returning for the Steelers in Week 13.
Pittsburgh Steelers Optimistic About Aaron Rodgers’ Return Against the Bills
According to Mike Tomlin (via Andrew Siciliano), the Steelers’ coaching staff is “optimistic” that Rodgers will be ready to return to the field for Pittsburgh and face the Bills in one of the most anticipated games of Week 13.
But everything will depend on the QB’s progress during training throughout this week. At a press conference, the Steelers’ head coach said he is starting the week with “great optimism” and expressed confidence in Rodgers’ full recovery for Pittsburgh, but assured that everything will depend on “the level of participation in training throughout the week.”
Rodgers will be limited in practice at the start of the week, but the expectation is for steady progress in his participation in training throughout the week.
Mike Tomlin says he “will start this week with great optimism” that Aaron Rodgers will play Week 13.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) November 25, 2025
In other words, barring any unforeseen circumstances in the coming days, everything indicates that Rodgers (who currently ranks 27th in the PFSN QB Impact with a D+ grade) will indeed be the starting QB for the Steelers against the Bills. His presence will be crucial to the Steelers’ chances of victory against one of the most consistent franchises in the regular season.
Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) will be limited in practice at start of week.
He’s expected to ramp up practice participation as the week goes on.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) November 25, 2025
In his first season in Pittsburgh, the 41-year-old veteran quarterback (who has scored 19 touchdowns and accumulated 1,969 yards in 10 games played so far, with a completion rate of over 65%) has suffered seven interceptions in total.
However, with Rodgers turning 42 in December and already showing signs of wear in a few games this season, the Steelers can’t afford to expose him any further. Keeping him upright over the final stretch of the regular season is the only way they stay competitive.
READ MORE: Week 13 NFL Power Rankings: Eagles Fall After Loss to Cowboys, Steelers Tumble
And that brings them to the bigger picture: Pittsburgh could walk out of Week 13 trailing the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. The Steelers must win on Sunday to keep their playoff hopes alive, and realistically, that path runs through securing the division title.
After leading most of the year, they now sit level with the Ravens — who are heavily favored against the 3–8 Bengals on Thanksgiving Day.
