![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_1123,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_fill,f_auto,h_900,q_auto,w_1600\/v1\/m\/8\/8\/8824eeb990b93a52d4676d2c9eaddf032f8a906b\/pittsburgh-steelers-quarterback-aaron-rodgers-8.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
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\u2019s quarterback depth and raised questions about the readiness of Rudolph and the rookie Howard to step in if needed. With the Steelers\u2019 Week 12 matchup looming against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on\u00a0Rodgers\u2019 recovery and whether he will be able\u00a0to take the field. The uncertainty has only added intrigue to what was already an unusual quarterback situation in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
The debate reached a fever pitch on Wednesday when ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith went on a fiery rant during\u00a0First Take<\/em>, dissecting both Rudolph\u2019s and Rodgers\u2019 status for the upcoming contest. Smith criticized the Steelers\u2019 decision-making, questioned Rodgers\u2019 durability, and speculated on how the team would adjust if the veteran quarterback was forced to miss additional time.<\/p>\n “Mason Rudolph? Oh h*ll to the no, I don’t want to see him,” Smith said on ESPN’s\u00a0First Take<\/em>\u00a0on 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.”<\/p>\n Social media and sports talk shows immediately picked up on the conversation, highlighting just how closely the league and fans are watching Pittsburgh\u2019s quarterback situation.<\/p>\n With Rodgers\u2019 health still in question, the Steelers\u2019 Week 12 game now carries even more weight in evaluating the team\u2019s postseason potential. It’s safe to say that Smith believes the Steelers need Rodgers to play against the Bears.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n 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\u2019s lead.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s health is vital.<\/p>\n Now, the Steelers will closely monitor Rodgers\u2019 wrist injury, deciding if it\u2019s wise to risk him in Week 12 against the Bears. Rodgers has helped the Steelers\u2019 offense look much improved for the most part. There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nSteelers Forced Aaron Rodgers Out Of Game Against Bengals<\/h4>\n