Aaron Rodgers injury update: Steelers QB pushing to play, hoping to take decision to gametime, per report

The Pittsburgh Steelers might wait until close to the last minute to make a decision on a starting quarterback against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers continues to recover from a fracture in his left wrist, but he remains hopeful he can play.

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Rogers “is hoping to take the decision up to gametime.” Rapoport notes that doctors have been cautious, but Rodgers believes he can protect himself with the injury.

Aaron Rodgers suffered the injury against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday after not participating on Wednesday.

Coach Mike Tomlin updated reporters on his status on Friday. He was hopeful Rodgers can play, but noted he will “see where the weekend leads us.”

“You know, I thought I saw a solid effort. But it’s Friday, and so we’ve got some time,” Tomlin said. “He was listed as a partial participant and given a questionable designation. And, we’ll see where the weekend leads us.”

Aaron Rodgers did not return after fracturing his non-throwing wrist in the first half against the Bengals. He exited 9-of-15 passing for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Testing coming into the week showed a small fracture or a slight break in the left wrist, but it did not require surgery. The safety of the wrist, moreso than the pain tolerance, and how Rodgers is able to manage it in practice has been a key part of evaluating if he can play or not.

After Rodgers exited, backup Mason Rudolph took over. He was 12-of-16 passing for 127 yards and a touchdown himself in the 34-12 divisional win over Cincinnati, which moved Pittsburgh to 6-4 and preserved the franchise’s lead in the AFC North.

But obviously Pittsburgh would like to have Rodgers back. He’s had a strong season overall.

To date, Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 1,969 yards and 19 touchdowns, against seven interceptions. He’s completing 66.4% of his passes.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater also contributed to this report.