Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers Shares Unique Injury With Steelers Legend

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The comparisons between Aaron Rodgers, starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and franchise legend Terry Bradshaw have come often since the team signed the 41-year-old QB. The team has been desperate for a postseason victory for eight seasons, and the hope was that Rodgers would be the one to end the skid in Pittsburgh and win the team a Super Bowl, just as Bradshaw helped them do in the 1970s.

As the Steelers continue their push toward that goal, Rodgers and Bradshaw are once again drawing comparisons. This time, it's a particular injury that has linked the two generational quarterbacks. Currently, Rodgers is dealing with a fracture in his left, non-throwing wrist. In 1977, Bradshaw dealt with a similar issue, and that could serve as a blueprint for the Steelers to follow in 2025.

Playing Through Pain

Like Rodgers, Bradshaw suffered a fracture to his left, non-throwing wrist during the 1977 campaign. Unlike Rodgers, Bradshaw's injury came a bit earlier in the regular season, occurring during a Week 4 matchup.

Despite the painful injury, Bradshaw persisted. He played the rest of the season, starting all 14 games for the Steelers that season and pushing them to a 9-5 record. They lost their opening playoff contest, but Bradshaw put on a tremendous effort to play through the pain.

Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images

That seems to be the plan for Rodgers moving forward. The veteran QB hasn't been ruled out for their Week 12 contest against the Chicago Bears. He missed practice, as was expected, but head coach Mike Tomlin has said that the focus is on pain management and functionality.

If Rodgers is able to protect himself in the pocket and his wrist is stable enough to go, he might not miss a single game, just like Bradshaw. Rodgers might continue starting and playing through the pain as he tries to lead the Steelers back to the postseason.

Backup Plan

Without Rodgers on the field, the Steelers have backup Mason Rudolph preparing like a number one quarterback. The 30-year-old veteran came on in relief of Rodgers against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, completing 12 of 16 passes and throwing a touchdown pass in the second half.

The Steelers have full faith in Rudolph to spot start. But if history and Tomlin's words are any indication, a broken wrist won't be enough to keep Aaron Rodgers off the field in Week 12.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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