In a significant development for the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not be taking the field in Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears due to a broken left wrist. This setback means Rodgers is officially out of the game at Soldier Field.

Throughout the week, Rodgers was marked as questionable, and during Friday’s practice, he was seen with a brace on his injured wrist, taking part only in a limited capacity. Despite his efforts to manage the injury, the decision has been made to sideline him for this crucial encounter.

In Rodgers’ absence, Mason Rudolph will assume the starting quarterback role. The Steelers are aiming to secure only their second victory in Chicago, a city where their previous triumph came on November 5, 1995, when they edged out the Bears 37-34 in an overtime thriller.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided insight into the decision, stating in a pregame interview with CBS, “Rodgers gave it his all throughout the week, but the prudent decision for the team was to rest him. Mason will take over, and he’s been the primary guy in practice this week, preparing to lead the team.”

For more context, it’s worth noting that the Bears’ defense currently leads the NFL in takeaways, particularly excelling in interceptions, which could pose a challenge for the Steelers’ new quarterback.

Rodgers, who turns 42 on Dec. 2, got hurt in the second quarter of a 34-12 win over Cincinnati last weekend. The Steelers host Buffalo next Sunday before visiting Baltimore on Dec. 7 for a key AFC North matchup.

Rodgers has dominated Chicago throughout his career, dating to his long run in Green Bay. The four-time MVP is 25-5 against the Bears, counting the playoffs.

Rodgers, the most sacked quarterback in NFL history, has been highly durable during his 21-year career. He missed time in 2013 and 2017 with a broken collarbone while playing for Green Bay, and he was sidelined for most of the 2023 season with the New York Jets because of a torn Achilles tendon.

He has completed 66.4% of his passes for 1,969 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first season with Pittsburgh. He also has thrown seven interceptions.