Mike Tomlin Makes Surprise Locker Room Move After Announcing Aaron Rodgers’ Return Timeline
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin admitted he seriously considered putting Aaron Rodgers on the field against the Chicago Bears, despite the quarterback dealing with a small fracture in his left wrist. Ultimately, the Steelers chose to sit Rodgers and start Mason Rudolph for the first time this season — but the way Tomlin handled the decision raised questions inside and outside the locker room.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor noted that Rudolph did not find out he would start until Saturday, and several players — including tight end Jonnu Smith — said they only learned Rodgers was out minutes before kickoff. Pryor called the situation “odd,” suggesting Tomlin deliberately kept the information extremely limited so the Bears couldn’t adjust their game plan. However, she also implied that the secrecy hinted at a potential lack of trust within Tomlin’s own locker room.
In the NFL, players are normally informed well in advance to prepare properly. Tomlin’s tight-lipped approach appeared intentional, especially since he reportedly chose personally not to play Rodgers. Even if secrecy wasn’t his goal, the timing became the central issue.
Rodgers suffered the wrist fracture during last week’s game against the Bengals. Tomlin later clarified the injury would not require surgery. Rodgers practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday with a black wrist brace, but the Steelers ultimately decided not to risk worsening the injury. Rudolph stepped in and completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards with a touchdown and an interception, though Pittsburgh still fell 31–28, dropping them into a tie with the Ravens atop the AFC North.
Tomlin Provides Clarity on Rodgers’ Return
Rodgers’ streak of 27 consecutive starts, dating back to 2024, ended with the decision. The good news for Pittsburgh: Tomlin expects him back soon.
“I anticipate him being ready for next week,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin revealed that he did not officially rule Rodgers out until two hours before kickoff. During a pregame CBS interview, he said the coaching staff wasn’t comfortable with Rodgers attempting to play with a brace on his injured wrist, and the team didn’t even list him as the emergency No. 3 quarterback. With Rodgers unavailable, rookie Will Howard served as Rudolph’s backup.
Tomlin added that the uncertainty allowed Rudolph to get more practice reps, though the week remained unpredictable.
“It was not a fluid week for him,” Tomlin said. “It was a fluid week for Mason in terms of reps. I think it’ll be behind us as we move forward.”
Now 6–5, the Steelers look to regroup as they prepare to host the Buffalo Bills in Week 13 at Acrisure Stadium.
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