Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is suspected to have sustained a 'slight fracture' in his non-throwing left wrist during Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, casting a shadow over the team's decisive 34-12 victory.
Injury Strikes During Second Quarter
The 41-year-old NFL legend was forced to exit the field during the second quarter of the contest. The incident occurred when Rodgers landed on his hand after being tackled while throwing the ball on a second-and-goal play. Reports from ESPN indicated that there was visible blood on his hand following the impact.
Rodgers managed to remain in the game for one more play before ultimately heading to the sidelines. The severity of the injury was immediately apparent, prompting his removal from the game. Initial concerns, as reported by ESPN, point towards a fracture in his non-throwing wrist.
Further Tests and Team Response
The veteran quarterback is scheduled for further medical examinations on Monday to determine the full extent of the damage and establish a timeline for his recovery. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the wrist issue post-game, having initially reported it as a hand injury.
When questioned about the possibility of Rodgers returning for the second half, Tomlin stated, "I don't have the answer to that to be honest with you.... I will have more information the next time we talk." He did, however, express that Rodgers was "excited about the victory" despite the personal setback.
Rudolph Steps In and Playoff Implications
Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph entered the game to replace the injured Rodgers and successfully steered the Steelers to a win that improves their season record to 6-4. This victory places Pittsburgh at the top of the AFC North division.
This injury is a significant blow for Rodgers, who has enjoyed a strong start to his tenure in Pittsburgh. After two difficult years with the New York Jets, which began with a devastating Achilles tendon tear just four games into his debut, his revival with the Steelers had been a key storyline. The 41-year-old had previously indicated he is "pretty sure" this will be his final NFL season.
