Despite the injury, Rodgers played two full practices to end the week, after which head coach Mike Tomlin said all systems were in place for Week 13. The upcoming matchup against Buffalo comes with heavy stakes. Following the Ravens’ loss to the Bengals on Thanksgiving, Pittsburgh has a chance to build a game lead over Baltimore in the AFC North before playing each other in Week 14, the first of two matchups between the clubs remaining this season.
Beyond the divisional aspect, a win over Buffalo would make the Steelers and Bills an identical 7-5 and give Pittsburgh a much-needed edge in the wild-card race.
It’s essential for Rodgers to be there. Through 10 games in his first season in the Black and Gold, he has thrown for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 97.7 passer rating, his highest since 2021.
Mason Rudolph was useful but not spectacular against Chicago, going 24 of 31 for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also lost a match.
Could Rodgers be the difference against the Bears, who he has troubled throughout his career? Perhaps, but his willingness to play after injury will certainly boost the morale of a team that has been on the rise for quite some time.
After starting the season 4–1 and gaining a comfortable divisional lead, the Steelers have lost four of their last six and head into Week 13 with the Ravens. With this potentially being Rodgers’ final season in the NFL, he isn’t content to miss another opportunity to turn things around.
Considering his history, it’s no surprise he would work so hard to play through the pain.
Rodgers played almost the entire 2018 season with a tibial fracture after suffering an injury in Week 1. He also played his final season for the Packers in 2022 with an avulsion fracture in his right thumb starting in week five.
Green Bay notably missed the playoffs during both of those campaigns.
The Steelers will obviously be hoping for a better performance and a win against the Bills on Sunday will go a long way in helping that happen.
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