The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 season with a peculiar quarterback situation. They brought back backup quarterback Mason Rudolph after he spent the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans. The Steelers signed Rudolph to a two-year deal worth $8 million, signaling confidence in his ability to provide stability behind the starter. Shortly after, the team added a rookie option by selecting Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, giving the organization another potential piece for the future. Finally, the biggest headline came when Aaron Rodgers revealed his plans to join the Steelers for the 2025 season, instantly changing the dynamic of the quarterback room.

Rodgers has performed at an above-average level for the Steelers, but his season hit a snag when he missed the second half of the Week 11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals with a left wrist injury. His absence fueled speculation about the team’s quarterback depth and raised questions about the readiness of Rudolph and the rookie Howard to step in if needed. With the Steelers’ Week 12 matchup looming against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on Rodgers’ recovery and whether he will be able to take the field. The uncertainty has only added intrigue to what was already an unusual quarterback situation in Pittsburgh.

The debate reached a fever pitch on Wednesday when ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith went on a fiery rant during First Take, dissecting both Rudolph’s and Rodgers’ status for the upcoming contest. Smith criticized the Steelers’ decision-making, questioned Rodgers’ durability, and speculated on how the team would adjust if the veteran quarterback was forced to miss additional time.

“Mason Rudolph? Oh h*ll to the no, I don’t want to see him,” Smith said on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday. “Yo, wrap that, Aaron Rodgers. You’re a veteran. Wrap that bad boy. It’s your non-throwing hand. Have that bad boy wrapped in a hard cast and get your a** out on the field.”

Social media and sports talk shows immediately picked up on the conversation, highlighting just how closely the league and fans are watching Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation.

With Rodgers’ health still in question, the Steelers’ Week 12 game now carries even more weight in evaluating the team’s postseason potential. It’s safe to say that Smith believes the Steelers need Rodgers to play against the Bears.

“I don’t wanna see Mason Rudolph,” Smith said. “I don’t want to see him. I don’t want to see him at all. He’s had his chances. We’ve seen him quite often in a Steelers uniform.”

While some Steelers fans still have a bit of faith in Rudolph, he showed why during Week 11. Stepping in against the Bengals, Rudolph completed 75% of his throws for 127 yards and a touchdown, protecting the football and helping extend Pittsburgh’s lead.

Steelers Forced Aaron Rodgers Out Of Game Against Bengals

Rodgers wanted to return in the second half, but the Steelers held him out to protect him. The team prioritized caution over immediate results, knowing the 41-year-old quarterback’s health is vital.

Now, the Steelers will closely monitor Rodgers’ wrist injury, deciding if it’s wise to risk him in Week 12 against the Bears. Rodgers has helped the Steelers’ offense look much improved for the most part. There’s still plenty of work to be done, but a healthy Rodgers gives this team a chance at a deep postseason run in the eyes of many.