Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers could lose Aaron Rodgers for the rest of the season if they decide to let the quarterback play against the Chicago Bears. According to a report from Tom Pelissero, the risk they would be taking at Soldier Field is enormous.
“He has a small fracture in that left wrist. Right now, it’s not something that would prevent him from being able to play. You can protect it. The risk you have of Aaron Rodgers going on the field is if he takes the wrong type of hit and lands on that wrist, you can end up with something that’s a displaced fracture. Right now, he doesn’t need surgery, but then he might need surgery.”
If Rodgers insists on starting for the Steelers in Chicago, a single hit could end his aspirations of fighting for one last Super Bowl, and it might even force him to retire from football. There’s a lot at stake for the veteran.
Who will be Steelers starting quarterback against Bears?
Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Chicago Bears in Week 12 if he receives medical clearance just a few hours before the game. Although the quarterback showed in several practices that he can throw, it’s still unclear how safe it is for his left wrist in the long term.
Pelissero mentioned that Rodgers wanted to return to the field last week for the second half of the game with the Bengals, but the doctors denied him permission. Now, considering what the Bears mean for his career, Aaron is asking for a chance.
“It might heal on its own right now. Then, if you displace it, it’s not gonna heal on its own. That’s the risk factor that the Steelers are dealing with. My understanding is he’s been pushing behind the scenes to play this week in Chicago. It’s gonna come down to a medical decision. If it’s up to Aaron Rodgers, he is 100 per cent starting on Sunday against the Bears. But there are other voices, including the doctors, who are well aware of the risk. There are times where teams have to protect players from themselves.”