The race for the AFC North division title is intensifying during the final stretch of the 2025 NFL season, as the Baltimore Ravens have closed the gap on the Pittsburgh Steelers, making every game from now on crucial for both teams.
The primary concern for the Steelers heading into the final six games of the regular season is the health of superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP was thought to make his return to the field last week for the matchup against the Chicago Bears, but the veteran quarterback wasn’t quite ready to make his return while dealing with a left wrist injury.
Aaron Rodgers Misses Steelers Practice Ahead of Week 13
GettyAaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Although the consensus seems to be that Rodgers will be back under center for the Steelers in Week 13 when they take on the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, eyebrows were raised on Wednesday when the future Hall of Famer was not seen on the practice field with fellow quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Brooke Pryor of ESPN reported not seeing Rodgers on the field, which has led to questions about his status for the matchup against the Bills on Sunday.
Obviously, it’s not a great sign that Rodgers was not on the practice field on Wednesday, as it could indicate that he’s not yet ready to return.
However, considering his age and the miles on his body, the Steelers might’ve just been cautious, with two more days of practice to go before facing the Bills.
Rodgers Addresses Status After Missing Practice
GettyAaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Following Wednesday’s practice, Rodgers spoke to the media and provided an update on his status heading into Week 13, claiming to feel better, via Alan Saunders of Steelers Now.
“I wasn’t able to go last week,” Rodgers said. “I’m hoping for a different outcome this week.”
Even though it seems as though Rodgers is trending in the right direction to play this Sunday against the Bills, the status of the one-time Super Bowl champion remains uncertain moving forward. However, he made it clear he does want to play this weekend against Buffalo.
“Yeah, for sure,” Rodgers said of his desire to play in Week 13. “I’m always wanting to play. There have been very few times that an injury has been significant enough to keep me off the field.”
Obviously, with Rodgers under center, the Steelers’ chances of getting a win against Josh Allen and company increase substantially as he brings an entirely different dynamic to the quarterback position compared to Rudolph.
In the loss to the Bears last week, Rudolph threw for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception while completing 24 of his 31 pass attempts. The Steelers were able to put 28 points on the board, but ultimately lost to Caleb Williams and company, who have now won four games in a row.
As for the matchup against the Bills, it will be important for both teams, with Pittsburgh wanting to keep up with Baltimore and Buffalo hoping to clinch a playoff spot down the stretch, as the AFC East division title seems unlikely with the New England Patriots being one of the hottest teams in the league right now.
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