Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Is Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Playing Against the Bears?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 1:18 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers' health is one of the most important questions heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers' game against the Chicago Bears in NFL Week 12. He is officially listed as questionable after suffering a left wrist injury last week against the Cincinnati Bengals and being replaced by backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.

The game begins on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET from Soldier Field in Chicago, where Rodgers had an 11-3 record during his time with the Green Bay Packers. This year, the four-time MVP has thrown for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions in black and gold.

As kickoff approaches, here is what the latest updates tell us about whether or not Rodgers is playing against the Bears on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Latest Updates on Aaron Rodgers Injury

On Saturday, the Steelers removed injury designations from two other key players listed as questionable — defensive tackle Cam Heyward and cornerback Darius Slay.

Rodgers remained questionable, another sign that he is likely to be a gametime decision. "He still has a chance," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wrote on X.

In addition: The #Steelers did not change the status of QB Aaron Rodgers, who is questionable. He still has a chance. https://t.co/qkf3LsYfxR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2025

On Friday, Rodgers was a limited participant in practice. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin called it a "solid effort," but offered little clarity in his update on Rodgers' injury.

"It's Friday, and so we still got some time," Tomlin said. "He was listed as a partial participant and given a questionable designation. We'll see where the weekend leads us."

Rodgers' practice participation this week was as follows:

Wednesday — did not practice
Thursday — limited practice
Friday — limited practice

How Will Steelers Decide If Rodgers Is Healthy Enough To Play?

The good news for Rodgers is that the injury did not require surgery and it is to his non-throwing hand. Tomlin emphasized earlier in the week that the variables they had to evaluate to decide whether or not Rodgers can play are:

Pain tolerance
Stability of his left hand when handling the football
Ability to protect himself from falls and contact

Here's Tomlin's full comment on Rodgers: pic.twitter.com/TJaB8MN96d
— Ashley Liotus (@AshleyLiotus) November 18, 2025

The other factor to consider is Rudolph's performance as the backup in the last game against Cincinnati. He finished 12-for-16 passing for 127 yards and one touchdown in Pittsburgh's 34-12 win.

Tomlin may have more faith in Rudolph than the average backup quarterback given his 9-8-1 record in 18 career starts.

Will Aaron Rodgers Play on Sunday?

Even at age 41, it takes a lot to keep Aaron Rodgers off the field. With the exception of his major Achilles injury in 2023, Rodgers has only missed one regular season game since 2018.

Considering the injury is to his non-throwing hand, there is a good shot Rodgers will suit up for the tough matchup against his longtime rival Chicago.

His limited return to practice was also a positive sign, but there is no confirmation yet on if Rodgers is playing against the Bears.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: