CHICAGO — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed after Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears that he anticipates quarterback Aaron Rodgers being ready to play next week against the Buffalo Bills .
"It was a prudent decision to make," Tomlin said. "Certainly it wasn't a fluid week for him, it was a fluid week for Mason [Rudolph] in terms of reps and so forth. I think it will be in the rearview as we move forward. I'm hopeful of that.
Tomlin said he made the decision for Rodgers not to play on Saturday.
When asked if Rodgers was ready to play, Tomlin replied, "Aaron's always ready to play."
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at practice on Nov. 21, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Just a couple of hours before kickoff, Tomlin shared that the Steelers were starting backup quarterback Mason Rudolph as Rodgers continues to work his way back from a fractured left wrist, which he suffered late in the first half of their Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
"I'll provide you with complete clarity," Tomlin said. "He's not gonna play today. He fought his tail off all week but that's the prudent play to make for us. So he won't be playing this week. We'll let Mason start, and obviously, he's absorbed most of the reps this week."
Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes (77.4%) for 171 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and a passer rating of 86.9 in a losing effort. He also had a crucial fumble after being sacked by Montez Sweat , which resulted in a turnover.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Chicago.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Mike Tomlin Reveals Timeline for Aaron Rodgers to Return
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