Aaron Rodgers is back. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Friday that the 41-year-old quarterback will start in Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills, marking his return after missing last week’s loss to the Chicago Bears.
Rodgers sat out with a fractured wrist in his non-throwing arm, an injury sustained against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. Further testing revealed no surgery was needed, but Tomlin stressed his availability would hinge on safety.
After limited practices late in the week, Rodgers was ruled out last Sunday, leaving Mason Rudolph to start in his place.
Rudolph delivered a mixed performance-24-of-31 for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception-in the narrow 31-28 defeat to Chicago. The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 6-5 and cost them the AFC North lead, now held by the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers’ season hinges on Rodgers’ return
Rodgers’ return comes at a critical juncture. Despite one of the worst outings of his career against the Chargers two weeks ago, he has thrown for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in his first season with the Steelers.
Signed to a one-year deal in June, Rodgers was one of the franchise’s marquee offseason additions alongside wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade and inked to a five-year, $150 million extension.
Rodgers will play with a decimated offensive line
The veteran quarterback won’t have starting left tackle Broderick Jones protecting him this week after Jones suffered a neck injury in Week 12. Calvin Anderson will step in, having allowed just one pressure on 13 pass-blocking snaps last week.
With the Steelers fighting to regain momentum and playoff positioning, Rodgers’ comeback is more than just a headline-it’s the turning point Pittsburgh desperately needs.
Read the full article here
