In a win that felt more like survival than celebration, the Pittsburgh Steelers advanced to 6-4 after a 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals; but they did so while watching their veteran quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, exit early with a left wrist injury and uncertainty hanging over him.
Rodgers left the game late in the first half after being hit on his non-throwing wrist during a drive; coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the injury would be evaluated Monday, saying, “He was excited about the win… we didn’t talk about his injury.”
Before he departed, Rodgers completed 9 of 15 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. When the second half began without him, backup Mason Rudolph stepped in and delivered a composed effort with 12 completions on 16 attempts for 127 yards and a touchdown—to help steady the ship.
After the game, Tomlin addressed the reporters with cool measure regarding the injury: “I don’t have the answer to that to be honest with you. I’ll have more information next time we talk.”
For his part, Rodgers was seen clutching the wrist late in the half and did not return after halftime, leaving his status for next week in limbo. Reports suggest a “slight break” may be present in the left wrist.
Despite the setback at quarterback, the defense did the heavy lifting. Two non-offensive touchdowns—one a 74-yard interception return, the other a 34-yard fumble return—pushed the Steelers clear. Meanwhile, Rudolph’s steady execution up front relieved what otherwise could have been a panic.’
Up next for Pittsburgh is a trip to Chicago, but they’re now doing so with doubts on one of their most trusted positions. Will Rodgers recover fully? Will Rudolph be prepared if he must slide into the starter’s role longer-term? The questions linger. On one hand, a dominant win. On the other, the reminder that nothing stays smooth for long in the NFL.
