Steelers' Mike Tomlin makes feelings on long-term Aaron Rodgers concerns clear

Shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 5-4 on the season via an ugly 25-10 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers this past Sunday night, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers admitted he didn't produce his "best performance" at SoFi Stadium. 

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin indicated he's not overly concerned about what Rodgers will be for the Steelers over the second half of the season. 

Does Mike Tomlin have "long-term" concerns about Aaron Rodgers?

"Sunday night was what it was," Tomlin said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "But I have no long-term reservations about his ability to play the position and play the position at a high level for us."

Against the Chargers, Rodgers completed 16-of-31 pass attempts for 161 yards with two interceptions. He was responsible for a bad safety in the game's first quarter, and his lone touchdown of the evening occurred when the contest's outcome had realistically already been determined. 

"I'm not going to chalk it up to an off night, but there are no long-term concerns," Tomlin added about Rodgers' play in Week 10. 

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has lost three of its last four games since starting the campaign at 4-1. Over those outings, Rodgers tossed eight touchdown passes and four interceptions. He also took nine sacks. 

What Steelers reportedly are "hoping" about Aaron Rodgers after Chargers game

Understandably, Rodgers' play during the "Sunday Night Football" loss caused some fans and other observers to openly wonder if the 41-year-old is running out of gas halfway through what could become the final season of his Hall of Fame career. For a piece published on Wednesday morning, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler addressed such takes. 

"The Steelers are hoping Rodgers' play Sunday in Los Angeles was an aberration," Fowler shared. "They've been pleased with Rodgers' play leading up to that game, but that's the first week in which he looked old and skittish in the pocket. They couldn't pull off a move for a wide receiver at the deadline, and it's obvious they need an additional piece for when defenses load up against the tight-end-heavy sets."

One piece of good news for Rodgers and Co. is that the Steelers next host a 3-6 Cincinnati Bengals side that's responsible for what's been an awful defense. As of Wednesday morning, ESPN BET had Pittsburgh as a 5.5-point favorite for the matchup that will take place at Acrisure Stadium this coming Sunday afternoon.