Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) shakes hands with head coach Mike Tomlin after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Steelers Share Positive Aaron Rodgers Update After Loss

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Nov 23, 2025 4:48 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers battled through their first game of the season without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm, but it wasn't enough. The team fell to the Chicago Bears by a final score of 31-28, dropping their record to 6-5 and tying them with the Baltimore Ravens for the best record in the AFC North.

Rodgers was a game-time decision for the Steelers, but ultimately, head coach Mike Tomlin felt more comfortable going with backup Mason Rudolph. The move didn't pay off the way he hoped, but the good news is that Tomlin is proceeding like his starting QB will return for their Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Speaking to reporters after the loss to the Bears, Tomlin said he anticipates having Rodgers back for their next matchup.

"I anticipate him being ready for next week," Tomlin told reporters.

For the most recent loss, however, Tomlin elaborated a bit on what led to his decision at quarterback.

"it was a prudent decision to make," he explained. "Certainly, it wasn't a fluid week for him. It was a fluid week for Mason in terms of reps and so forth."

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Rodgers' Health Crucial for Steelers

The Steelers cannot afford another week without their 41-year-old quarterback. Rodgers has played less than ideally over his last few starts, but the reality is that their offense has its best chance of succeeding with Rodgers running the show.

The hope now is that a week off of game action and two weeks of light participation in practice are just enough to heal Rodgers enough. The team has hope and trust in backup Mason Rudolph, but that's nothing compared to Tomlin's trust in Rodgers.

Playoff Hopes Dwindling

The Steelers also cannot afford to keep losing games. With their latest loss, they are now techincally outside of first place in the AFC North. With a 2-1 divisional record compared to the Ravens' 2-0 record, Baltimore currently owns the tie-breaker.

Without the AFC North divisional title, the Steelers can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. The AFC has 10 teams fighting for the seven playoff spots. With a 6-5 record, the Steelers are a game back of the final conference Wild Card spot.

Which only makes their need for Rodgers greater. The season is slipping away quickly from Pittsburgh. The only hope is that their veteran quarterback returns in Week 13, like Tomlin anticipates, and they are able to quickly get back on track.

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

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