Aaron Rodgers was a full participant for the Pittsburgh Steelers during Thursday’s practice, which represents a key update for Mike Tomlin ahead of the pivotal game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.
Moreover, according to a report by Jay Glazer, the head coach remains optimistic that the veteran is ready to return despite a fracture in his left wrist. “Mike Tomlin told me on Sunday that they were not gonna play him this past weekend. They did expect to have him go this coming weekend as long as there are no setbacks. Still haven’t said that he’s gonna start yet, but they’re optimistic he returns the lineup.”
The Steelers have a 6-5 record and are out of the playoff picture after losing four of their last six games. If they want to stay alive in the Super Bowl race, it seems that the matchup with the Bills is a must-win, although there are still two games against the Ravens to fight for the division.
Is Aaron Rodgers starting for Steelers vs Bills?
Everything points to Aaron Rodgers starting for the Steelers against the Bills in Week 13. For the first time since the fracture in his left wrist, he was a full participant in practice, and Mike Tomlin had already indicated after the loss in Chicago that he expected the veteran to return for the matchup with Buffalo.
Can the Steelers win the AFC North?
Yes. The Steelers control their own destiny to win the AFC North. In their remaining schedule, three of their final six games are divisional, and two are against the Ravens. Two wins over Baltimore would put them in a great position.
How serious is Aaron Rodgers’ wrist injury?
Aaron Rodgers has a small fracture in his left wrist that can heal over time, but a hit could cause it to become a displaced fracture and require surgery. That would officially end the quarterback’s season.
Despite that, another report from Dan Graziano, in agreement with Jay Glazer, states that Rodgers will return soon. “The Steelers feel better about Aaron Rodgers’ chances of playing this Sunday against the Bills than they did at this time last week about his chances of playing in Chicago. Talking to people with the Steelers on Saturday and Sunday, I was told the decision about Rodgers playing against the Bears would come down to his own comfort level and whether he felt he could function on the field with that fracture in his left wrist.”
“Ultimately, the team and player made the decision together Sunday morning that they’d be better off with a fully healthy Mason Rudolph than an injured Rodgers. My expectation is that he does more in practice this week and that the decision doesn’t come down to game day like it did in Week 12.”