PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers is formally questionable for Sunday’s recreation in Chicago, coach Mike Tomlin stated Friday.
The quarterback, who sustained a small fracture in his left wrist towards the Cincinnati Bengals, wore a black wrist stabilizer at observe this week and was a restricted participant each Thursday and Friday.
The Steelers additionally listed defensive deal with Cam Heyward and cornerback Darius Slay as questionable. Heyward is coping with an ankle damage and was noticed in a strolling boot on Friday, however was later photographed with out something on his ankle in the course of the open portion of Friday’s observe. Slay is working his means by way of the concussion protocol. Linebacker Alex Highsmith is uncertain with a pectoral damage.
If Rodgers cannot go, backup Mason Rudolph, a 2018 Steelers third-round draft decide, is in line to begin his first recreation since a Week 17 loss a 12 months in the past when he was with the Tennessee Titans. Rudolph began 5 video games that season and went 1-4 in these video games, however in his final stint with the Steelers, he began the ultimate three video games of the common season and helped the Steelers’ late surge for a playoff berth with three wins.
Rudolph took over for Rodgers and performed the second half of the Steelers’ win towards Cincinnati, finishing 12 of 16 makes an attempt for 127 yards and a landing.
“I obtained loads of expertise of going forwards and backwards in several roles,” Rudolph stated this week. “It is a part of what’s most likely chilled out my persona somewhat bit. I simply say ‘Screw it,’ and I simply roll with the punches.”
Rodgers stated Wednesday the important thing to his availability Sunday is “security” and never ache administration.
“Obtained to get the OK and obtained to really feel like I can defend myself,” Rodgers stated when requested what needed to occur for him to play Sunday.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith stated Thursday that he has “contingency plans” with the beginning quarterback nonetheless up within the air.
“You all the time should have contingency plans, and we’ll see how the week unfolds in order that means it is my job to be prepared both means. …
“I give Mason lots of credit score. Individuals speak about being a professional and job, however that is an indication of an actual professional as a result of Mason does a great job making ready each week. You are all the time one play away. You all the time hear these hypotheticals, and he was able to roll and did a very nice job.”
Rodgers owns a 24-5 regular-season document towards the Bears from his time with the Inexperienced Bay Packers, however he insisted his historical past with the rival franchise wasn’t giving him further motivation to play on this recreation.
“There’s incentive for each opponent, however I’ve loved many a Sunday and Monday and Thursdays in that metropolis,” he stated with a smile. “It is an ideal sports activities city, phenomenal sports activities followers and good spot to play.”
