The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get back in the win column on Sunday after being victorious over the Cincinnati Bengals. The defense played well for the Steelers after performing poorly against the Bengals just a few weeks ago, as the group forced two turnovers and scored two touchdowns in the game. It was a good game for Pittsburgh, but the group suffered some injuries that could have serious ramifications over the next few weeks. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the game early, as did running back Jaylen Warren.
Ryan Meyer / Cincinnati Bengals
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers prepares to take a snap during a road game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025.
Pittsburgh moved to 6-4 after the win, which means the team will have a lead of at least a game in the AFC North for another week. However, the Rodgers injury is concerning.
The quarterback suffered an injury to his non-throwing hand during the second quarter, and Mason Rudolph came out of halftime as the starter. Rodgers never appeared to return to the sideline as he stayed in the locker room, but he was ruled out shortly after. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about his quarterback's injury during his postgame press conference.
"Aaron's obviously out with a wrist injury." Tomlin said. "He'll be evaluated in the morning, I'll give you guys more information there."
Rodgers hasn't been playing his best football, but keeping the 41-year old quarterback healthy was one of the organization's main worries coming into the 2025 season. The offensive line had done a good job of that so far, but the quarterback took a hit after throwing the ball in the second quarter that left him with an injury.
Thankfully it is to his non-throwing hand, but that could still affect a quarterback when it comes to ball security and taking snaps. Tomlin not being able to immediately say that his quarterback is going to be okay is a little concerning, however.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA.
The four-time league MVP exited the game after completing nine of his 15 pass attempts for 116 yards and a touchdown. Pittsburgh's offense wasn't necessarily clicking in the win, but the group did a good job by not turning the ball over and putting points on the board when given the opportunity.
Rudolph filled in for Rodgers nicely. The backup came into the game and completed 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and also threw a touchdown. He kept the offense moving down the field as the offense scored on both of their possessions in the second half.
It is hard to imagine how long Rodgers could be out, if he misses any time at all, but the offense is in good hands with Rudolph under center. He has plenty of playing experience, and more importantly has plenty of experience filling in for the Steelers over his eight year career.
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Steelers quarterback Will Howard during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Rookie Quarterback Will Howard Will Be The Backup If Rodgers Has To Miss Time
If Rodgers has to miss a week or two, that would thrust rookie quarterback Will Howard into the backup role. The quarterback was activated for the first time on Sunday, but he was the emergency quarterback for the game against the Bengals. That meant that both Rodgers and Rudolph would have to be injured in order for Howard to see the field, but in the backup role he could fill in for Rudolph if he is hurt or if the coaching staff wants to make a change.
Rodgers going down is not good for Pittsburgh, but hopefully the offense will be able to adjust moving forward. Whenever he is back on the field the offensive line will hopefully be improved and do a better job protecting their veteran quarterback.
What do you think of Rodgers' injury? Let us know in the comments below!
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