Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Suffers Hand Injury Against Bengals

The injury occurred during a drive where Rodgers was hit hard by multiple Bengals defenders. He was seen holding his wrist on the sideline before heading to the locker room for evaluation. The play drew a roughing the passer penalty, one of two such calls against Cincinnati on the same drive.

Before his departure, Rodgers had guided the Steelers to a 10-6 halftime lead, connecting with running back Kenneth Gainwell for an 11-yard touchdown on the game’s opening drive. He was 9 of 15 for 116 yards at the time of his exit.

Mason Rudolph Steps in for the Steelers

With Rodgers being evaluated, longtime backup Mason Rudolph took over as quarterback to start the second half. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin expressed a cautious yet prepared sentiment at halftime, telling CBS Sports, “We’re hopeful but we better get Mason Rudolph ready to go.”

Rudolph is no stranger to stepping up for the Steelers. He holds a 9-8-1 record as a starting quarterback, including a memorable performance against the Bengals in Week 16 of the 2023 season. In that game, Rudolph threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, leading Pittsburgh to a crucial 34-11 victory that helped propel them into the playoffs. His experience provides a steady hand for an offense suddenly facing uncertainty.

What This Means for Rodgers and Pittsburgh

For Rodgers, this injury brings a wave of déjà vu and concern. After a devastating Achilles tear cut his 2023 season short after just four snaps, his move to Pittsburgh was seen as a shot at a late-career renaissance. An injury, even to his non-throwing hand, is a setback for a player who has battled back to lead a new team.

For the Steelers, the timing is critical. In a tight divisional race, losing a quarterback of Rodgers’ caliber for any length of time could significantly impact their playoff aspirations. The team’s immediate future now rests on Rudolph’s shoulders and the defense’s ability to hold the line. While Rudolph has proven capable in the past, the emotional and strategic shift from a future Hall of Famer to a backup is a challenge the entire organization must now navigate. The coming days will be crucial in determining the severity of Rodgers’ injury and what it means for the remainder of the Steelers’ season.

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