Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) makes a pass to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers Teasing Bills With Two Injury Decisions

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 11:00 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers might just be playing games with their Week 13 opponent. As the Steelers prepare to welcome Buffalo Bills to Acrisure Stadium, the team has several roster questions looming.

Will Aaron Rodgers return at quarterback for the Steelers? Who will start at the left tackle position in place of an injured Broderick Jones? The Bills are wondering the same thing.

Which is exactly what the Steelers want. With the team looking for any way to revive their season and take hold of the AFC North division again, the Steelers are hoping the mystery gives them the competitive advantage in Week 13.

QB Questions

The Steelers fooled everyone during their Week 12 preparations, leading everyone to believe Rodgers would return quickly against the Chicago Bears. Instead, backup Mason Rudolph learned the night before the game that he would start the game.

Heading into Week 13, the Steelers haven't shown their hand at all. Rudolph has taken snaps with the first team while Rodgers missed the first day of practice, but then Rodgers returned as a full participant.

It leaves the Bills shrugging their shoulders as they prepare for the possibility of facing either quarterback.

David Banks-Imagn Images

Peat or Anderson?

The same question is happening at the left tackle position. After Jones suffered a neck injury in Week 12, veteran Calvin Anderson stepped in to finish the game. Now, he and fellow veteran Andrus Peat are in a competition for the starting role in Week 13.

Peat has a strong resume in the NFL. A former first-round pick, he's played multiple positions along the offensive line over his career. During his time with the New Orleans Saints, he was a Pro Bowl selection as a left guard, but he's played limited snaps at the LT position over the last few years.

For the Steelers, keeping things under lock and key is their only hope of a tactical advantage. The Bills boast the best passing defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest passing yards per game this season. A huge reason for that is their ability to pressure the opposing quarterback.

The Bills likely had a detailed plan for how to attack Broderick at the LT position. Now, they have to prepare for either one of the Steelers' backups. They have completely different strengths and weaknesses, and with the Bills trying to get after the QB, the Steelers hope the mystery throws Buffalo off enough to make a difference.

It might be for nothing. The Bills might be too prepared for the Steelers for these questions to impact the game. There is a chance, even if very small, that the gamesmanship and mystery the Steelers are bringing to the matchup can help them earn a much-needed victory.

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

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