Here's Steelers QB Plan Without Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning their plans for Week 12 as they try to earn their seventh win of the season. The team travels to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears, but the team could be shorthanded in a crucial contest.

The Steelers might not have their 41-year-old starting quarterback in a must-win game. Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, suffered a fractured left wrist in their Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. And while he wanted to return during the second half of the game, the team held him out. Now, the team might be turning to their backup quarterback for a critical Week 12 matchup.

Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media at his weekly press conference and provided an update on the team's quarterback situation. With Rodgers still being evaluated, the team is elevating Mason Rudolph to their number one position for their pending practice sessions. Tomlin stated that the team will proceed with Rudolph as the number one quarterback as Rodgers misses their coming day of practice.

If things progress at this rate, Rudolph will start for the Steelers against the Bears. If Rodgers is able to return to practice in the coming days, however, he will likely return under center. Tomlin also left the door open for rookie Will Howard to take snaps with the first team.

What Rodgers' Absence Means for the Offese

The Steelers showed they were comfortable running the same offensive scheme with Rudolph under center. When he appeared in relief of Rodgers in Week 11, the offense kept their same pace. He completed 12 of 16 passes and threw a touchdown pass to running back Kenneth Gainwell.

The game plan was simple, but effective. The team put up 10 points in that half with Rudolph running the show, but it showed that they could still find success on offense.