Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers Attempts Return Despite Wrist Injury

2025 NFL Fantasy Football Column: Aaron Rodgers’ Injury, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offense & Week 12 Betting Outlook

The biggest storyline in Pittsburgh — and one of the biggest in fantasy football — is Rodgers’ fractured wrist, suffered just before halftime in the Steelers’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rodgers tried to push through initially, and now he’s planning to “give it a go” in practice this week to see whether he can manage the Steelers’ offense.

The problem?

He absolutely shouldn’t play.

This isn’t a sprain. This isn’t soreness. This is a fractured wrist on the throwing hand of a 41-year-old quarterback who already can’t move in the pocket. If he suits up, he won’t be able to brace himself on contact — and in the NFL, you get hit. The medical and on-field risk is obvious.

Head coach Mike Tomlin is playing coy — which is classic Tomlin — because the Bears now have to prepare for Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. But let’s be real: Rodgers is almost certainly out.

And honestly?

That might not be the worst thing for the Steelers this week.

Rodgers’ Fantasy Outlook: Sit Him Everywhere

If you’re a fantasy manager holding onto Rodgers, this is not the time to get cute.

A fractured wrist limits velocity
Limits accuracy
Limits ball security
Limits Rodgers’ ability to protect himself

Even if he’s active, this is a do-not-play situation. He’d be a liability in fantasy and a turnover risk in betting markets.

Expect Rudolph to start — and that changes everything for the Steelers’ skill players.

Fantasy Fallout: Mason Rudolph and Jalen Warren Become the Focus

Say what you want about Rudolph, but he’s not a rookie thrown into chaos. He knows the system, knows the personnel, and the team trusts him enough to manage a game plan.

The real fantasy headliner this week is Jalen Warren.

Jalen Warren: RB1 Potential (If Healthy)

This matchup vs. Chicago is absolutely made for him.

Bears run defense has been inconsistent
Pittsburgh’s offense leans on Warren for tempo
Game script should stay neutral-to-positive

If Warren is fully active, he has RB1 upside in season-long and DFS formats.

But if Warren can’t go?

Suddenly, Pittsburgh is down both its starting QB and starting RB.

That turns every fantasy angle sideways and shifts more pressure onto Rudolph and the defense.

Steelers Defense: Elite Streaming Option

This is where styles make fights.

Pittsburgh’s defense is playing its best football of the year, and with a backup quarterback under center, they must show up here.

This is a dream defensive matchup:

Chicago’s regression is coming
Their offense is chaotic
Turnover opportunities will be there
Pittsburgh can dominate field position

Start the Steelers D/ST in every fantasy format — this is a top-three defensive matchup for Week 12.

Betting Breakdown: How Rodgers’ Injury Shapes the Market

Steelers Side

With Rodgers likely out, Pittsburgh becomes a different team but not a worse betting team. Rudolph isn’t flashy, but he protects the ball and runs the offense. Pittsburgh can control the line of scrimmage and lean on Warren if he’s active.

This is still a winnable game for Pittsburgh.

Total

Expect the total to drop if Rodgers is ruled out — and honestly, even with Rudolph, the game already leans:

UNDER

Both defenses should dictate the script.

Props to Target

Jalen Warren Rushing/Receiving Overs (if active)
Steelers D/ST Alt Props — sacks, turnovers
Bears Team Total Under

If Warren sits:

Look to Jaylen Warren backups (RB2 props)
Rudolph pass attempts OVER

Final Fantasy & Betting Takeaways

Fantasy

Sit Rodgers everywhere — even if active
Start Jalen Warren confidently (if healthy)
Steelers D/ST is a must-play
Rudolph is a low-end QB2 with floor but minimal ceiling

Betting

Lean Steelers moneyline — they can win even without Rodgers
Strong lean Under — defensive, grind-it-out game
Props favor Warren and the Pittsburgh defense

The Steelers are still atop the AFC North and still in control of their destiny. But their margin for error tightens every week Rodgers misses — and this stretch will define whether Pittsburgh stays ahead of Baltimore.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.