The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the Week 13 after a 28-31 loss to the Bears. And most fans may have seen it coming. They did not have their primary QB and 4-time MVP, Aaron Rodgers. Although backup, Mason Rudolph recorded 24 completed passes in 31 attempts for 171 yards and 1 touchdown, the Steelers missed Rodgers as the game got close, who had to sit out due to a fractured wrist. 

But the good news was that it wasn't serious enough to require surgery, and now, as the Bills arrive in Pittsburgh, the big question is, will the 4-time MVP be on the field? 

After Friday’s practice, Steelers HC Mike Tomlin spoke about Rodgers' condition. “He was a full participant today with no designation for the game. So it's all systems go,” he said.

This development comes two weeks after Rodgers battled the injury injury to his non-throwing wrist late in the first half of Pittsburgh’s 32-14 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. After releasing a throwaway pass to avoid a sack, he was taken to the ground and landed awkwardly on his left wrist. Though he attempted to stay in the game briefly, the pain forced the Steelers to pull him for the rest of the matchup. And while Rodgers wanted to play in Week 12, the Steelers played it safe.

Their caution might have paid off considering they're going up against the Bills up next, but will he be at 100%? We saw part of the answer during Friday practice, when Rodgers wore a wrist stabilizer. However, any ideas of the veteran QB not being up to speed were quickly dismissed.

Tomlin explained, “Just more reps certainly, but certainly it's another week. And so I'm sure there's more comfort there - not only in him, but in the medical experts.” Rodgers was a full participant on Thursday and Friday. And we can already see the effect his return brought!

Right tackle Troy Fautanu said, “I don't know exactly what happened, but I'm sure it doesn't feel good. But for him to want to come back and finish off this season and play this game is just a testament to who he is." At 41 years old, Rodgers is the oldest active NFL player, and this is most probable that this is his last season, so he surely wants to give it his all as the playoff race gets tighter. Luckily, he is not alone, with other stars returning as well. 

Aaron Rodgers isn't the only one coming back

Tomlin has also confirmed that wide receiver DK Metcalf and pass rusher Alex Highsmith are good to go for the game against the Bills. Metcalf left the week 12 game against the Bears with an ankle injury and was not seen in practice before Thursday, with his left ankle wrapped, putting his availability for the next game in doubt. 

Joining him, Alex Highsmith, who has been out since Week 11 due to a pectoral injury. Highsmith brings an extra wall to the defense with his 15 solo tackles, 9 assists, and 5.5 sacks in 7 games in the 2025 season so far.

What do you think, with Rodgers back, can the Steelers win against the Bills? 

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar