Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to start against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but his return to the field comes with a significant caveat. According to multiple reports, Rodgers is playing through at least three fractures in his non-throwing left wrist, an injury suffered two weeks ago against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite the severity of the injury, which kept him out of last week’s narrow 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears, Rodgers has been adamant about suiting up, logging two full practices to end the week and earning clearance from head coach Mike Tomlin.
The question on every fan’s mind leading up to kickoff was, ‘Is Aaron Rodgers playing today?’ The answer is a resounding yes, adding another chapter to the 41-year-old’s legacy of playing through pain. This isn’t his first rodeo; Rodgers played nearly the entirety of the 2018 season with a tibial fracture and his final season in Green Bay in 2022 with an avulsion fracture in his right thumb. His teammates have reportedly been impressed with his resolve, a morale boost for a Steelers team that has lost four of its last six games after a promising 4-1 start.
The stakes for this Week 13 matchup couldn’t be higher. Following the Baltimore Ravens’ Thanksgiving loss, Pittsburgh has a chance to open up a one-game lead in the fiercely competitive AFC North ahead of a pivotal Week 14 showdown with Baltimore. Furthermore, a win over the 7-5 Bills would knot both teams at 7-5, giving Pittsburgh a critical leg up in the wild-card race. The Steelers’ offense clearly needs its leader; backup Mason Rudolph was serviceable but unspectacular against Chicago, and the team’s playoff hopes are tightly wound around Rodgers’ performance.
Rodgers’ 2025 season stats underscore his importance. Through 10 games in his first year with the Steelers, he has thrown for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, posting a 97.7 passer rating—his highest since 2021. His ability to produce at that level, even while injured, will be tested against a tough Bills defense. The injury reporting around his wrist has sparked broader conversation about transparency in the NFL, as the league’s rules only required the Steelers to list a ‘wrist’ injury, not the specific fractures, a point of contention for bettors and analysts alike.
With this season potentially being his last in the NFL, Rodgers’ ironman effort is a testament to his competitive fire. The Steelers, now tied with the Ravens atop the division, are spiraling and need a catalyst. A victory in Buffalo would not only stop the slide but could redefine their season. All eyes will be on No. 8 and his heavily wrapped left wrist, as he attempts to will his new team to a season-altering win.