Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers Comeback Clouded by Bad News

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to the field. The veteran signal-caller, who fractured his left non-throwing wrist during a dominant 34-12 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, sat out the team’s narrow 31-28 defeat to the Chicago Bears in Week 12.

Now, with recovery on track, Rodgers is slated to reclaim his starting role when the Steelers host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, November 30.

The injury sidelined Rodgers just as the Steelers faced a familiar foe from his storied tenure with the Green Bay Packers, where he routinely outplayed the Bears. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh’s depth and adaptability have kept the offense afloat, though the loss highlighted vulnerabilities exposed without their star quarterback.

Adding to the challenges ahead, the Steelers’ offensive line suffered a significant blow on the eve of the Bills matchup. The team announced that starting left tackle Broderick Jones has been placed on injured reserve following a neck injury sustained in the Bears game.

Jones, a cornerstone of the unit tasked with safeguarding Rodgers’ blindside, is expected to sit out the minimum four contests, leaving a void that demands swift tactical adjustments.

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had foreshadowed the need for creative solutions to protect Rodgers amid potential vulnerabilities. Addressing the quarterback’s status earlier in the week, Smith emphasized a flexible, ongoing approach.

“It’s going to be a day by day with Aaron,” Smith said. “Those things are communications. He’s a veteran, same as last week, and we’ll see how the week goes. Again, that’s other things that you can problem solve. There’s a lot of ways to do that. You work around guys. … If a guy needs help and protection, may have a clipped wing or something, is out there, depending on the matchup, there’s always things you can do to try to help players if they’re playing and there’s something you’re trying to work around.”

With Jones’ absence amplifying the urgency, Smith’s blueprint for “problem solving” will be put to the test. The Steelers could turn to a combination of backups, including versatile lineman Dan Moore Jr. or practice squad call-up Calvin Anderson, to fill the left tackle spot. Scheme-wise, expect increased use of quick releases, max protection packages, and perhaps even personnel groupings that slide a guard outward to bolster the edge.

Rodgers, ever the quick study at 41 and soon to be 42, has spent the bye-equivalent week refining his mechanics around the wrist brace, insisting in media sessions that his arm feels “as strong as ever on the right side.” His return injects optimism into a Steelers squad clinging to playoff contention in the AFC North, but the matchup against Buffalo’s ferocious pass rush—led by Von Miller and a rotating cast of edge threats—looms as a stern examination.

Fans at Acrisure Stadium will be watching closely as the Steelers aim to get back in the win column. For Rodgers, it’s not just about reclaiming the huddle—it’s about proving that age, injury, and lineup flux can’t dim his competitive fire.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, with the outcome potentially pivotal for Pittsburgh’s postseason aspirations.