Aaron Rodgers' status for Week 12 remains uncertain as he works toward being ready to face a familiar foe in Chicago.
The left wrist injury he suffered in the first half of Pittsburgh's Week 11 win over Cincinnati has sent Rodgers to the trainers' room this week, leaving him as a non-participant in the Steelers' Wednesday practice. Instead, Rodgers was a willing rehab participant, taking care of what is necessary before testing out his wrist later in the week.
"A lot of rehab," the Steelers quarterback said Wednesday afternoon. "Was thankful to get today to work with (head athletic trainer) Gabe [Amponsah] and just focus on rehab for a day, and try to get back on the field tomorrow and see what we can do."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed on Tuesday that Rodgers would not need to undergo surgery on his fractured wrist and that the team would take his availablity for Sunday's game day by day.
Rodgers said Wednesday that him playing is not a matter of fighting through pain, explaining it's more about "safety" than tolerance.
"Got to get the OK, got to feel like I can protect myself," Rodgers said, via ESPN.com.
When asked if his status could be a game-time decision, Rodgers said that would be up to Tomlin.
If Rodgers can't go, Mason Rudolph would be next in line to handle the starting quarterback duties. The veteran backup replaced Rodgers after halftime and delivered a commendable, professional performance against the Bengals, completing 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown while guiding Pittsburgh's offense through the latter stages of what proved to be a runaway win last week.
This week, Rudolph might have to prepare to head to the home of a red-hot Bears team that has won seven of their last eight games but doesn't own a single victory over a team with a winning record. The 6-4 Steelers are aiming to ensure that remains a fact after Week 12, even if they can't play with Rodgers.
Chicago also includes a personal connection for Rodgers: He spent many years facing (and defeating) the Bears while serving as the franchise quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, famously telling their fans he owned them during one of his final wins in Chicago as a Packer.
"There's incentive for every opponent, but I have enjoyed many a Sunday and Monday and Thursdays in that city," Rodgers said. "It's a great sports town, phenomenal sports fans and a great place to play."
That response included a bit of newfound temperance which has become common for Rodgers in what is expected to be his final NFL season. Instead of stoking the fire of rivalry with a fanbase he's tormented, Rodgers took the high road on Wednesday, perhaps with the hope Bears fans would go easy on him Sunday at Soldier Field.
"I'd rather not be," Rodgers said when asked if he thrived on being the villain in Chicago. "I mean, I'm not in Green Bay anymore. I feel like we can let bygones be bygones. Maybe I can, I guess.
"It's a great rivalry. In the history of all sports, you talk about the Lakers and the Celtics, and the Red Sox and the Yankees, you've got to talk about the Packers and the Bears. There's been some great memories there. When I first got to Green Bay, the Bears had the all-time series lead. When I left, the Packers did. Since J-Love has taken over, it's even gotten better. I hope those fans can put that behind them. I'm sure they can. I don't expect them to."
Rodgers' closing statement said it all: He knows Chicago's rabid fans will have their intensity turned up to 11 when Rodgers comes to town with his new team in what Bears fans will perceive as a litmus test for their up-and-coming squad. Sure, the Bears are 7-3, but beating the Steelers would grant them a sense of legitimacy they crave.
Taking down Rodgers in the process would make it even sweeter. We'll see if he can suit up and attempt to ruin their dreams one more time Sunday.
