Mike Tomlin 'committed' to this Aaron Rodgers goal for massive Steelers vs. Ravens game

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers could ride off into the sunset of retirement if the 9-7 Pittsburgh Steelers are knocked out of the upcoming postseason tournament due to suffering a loss to the rival Baltimore Ravens (8-8) this coming Sunday night. 

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he hasn't really "taken time to ponder" whether or not Week 18 could be the last time Rodgers takes the field as an active NFL player.

Aaron Rodgers has been "awesome" for Steelers

"I'm just committed to making sure that it's not," Tomlin continued, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "He's certainly been an awesome contributor to our efforts, and not only from a talent perspective and an experience perspective, but just his professionalism, his relationship with the game, his love for his teammates, and his willingness to help them grow and get better and gain a better understanding. Each and every day has been cool to be a part of."

Rodgers suffered a reported small fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist back in Week 11, but he missed only one game due to that setback and has since gone 3-2 as Pittsburgh's QB1. The 42-year-old signed a one-year contract to join the Steelers back in June, but he teased in August that he could at least consider playing for Pittsburgh in 2026. 

Steelers will lean on Aaron Rodgers ahead of Ravens game

More recently, Rodgers insisted he had "full confidence we'll go home and" beat the Ravens at Acrisure Stadium this coming Sunday night. Tomlin suggested that Rodgers will display that belief "in how he behaves" leading up to the Week 18 clash. 

"I'm not surprised," Tomlin added about Rodgers' comments. "That's one of the things that made him really attractive to us, that can-do attitude and the experience and resume that goes with it. I don't think it's work for him. I think it's as natural as breathing. And so, if he's breathing, I expect to see that from him as we lean in on this game."

Rodgers hasn't taken a postseason snap since January 2022. That may not be the case for long if he can turn the clock back for four quarters of action on Jan. 4.