A late rally by Mason Rudolph and the Steelers came up short in a 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears on the road.
Down 10 points early in the fourth quarter, Rudolph drove the Steelers on a 17-play touchdown drive to cut the lead to 31-28 with 6:27 remaining.
The defense held the Bears through two ensuing possessions, including a 24-second three-and-out to get the ball back at their own 20 with 1:29 left.
Rudolph drove the Steelers across midfield, but a fourth-and-6 pass with 17 seconds left, from the Chicago 47, was deflected at the line, and fell incomplete, and the Steelers dropped to 6-5.
"When it's good on good, particularly when you're in a hostile environment, any number of plays could have changed the outcome of the game," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "That's why we just got to live every down singularly in all three phases. I think today was a very good illustration of that."
The Bears scored first after cornerback Nahshon Wright intercepted Rudolph's initial pass of the game. The Bears took over at their 44, and six snaps later Caleb Williams threw a 17-yarder to Luther Burden. It set up Williams's 5-yard touchdown pass to D.J. Moore for a 7-0 Bears lead with 8:28 left in the first quarter.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offensive line during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Special Teams during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago, IL. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Because of a hard-to-handle knuckleball kickoff, the Steelers began the ensuing possession on their 5 – and went 95 yards in 13 plays for the tying touchdown. Jaylen Warren's 12-yard run behind Spencer Anderson, who lined up at fullback, got the drive rolling. Rudolph's 21-yard play-action pass to Ben Skowronek and his 13-yard swing pass to Kenneth Gainwell were the keys in setting up Metcalf's 5-yard touchdown run on a lateral pass from Rudolph. It tied the score 7-7 with 30 seconds left in the opening quarter.
The Steelers took the lead on the first play of the second quarter when T.J. Watt sacked Williams in the end zone and forced a fumble that was recovered by Nick Herbig, again in the end zone, for a touchdown that gave the Steelers a 14-7 lead with 14:44 left in the half.
Steelers rookie defensive tackle Yahya Black recovered a third-and-2 fumble by the Bears' D'Andre Swift at the Pittsburgh 48, but with the Steelers facing fourth-and-1 at the Chicago 30, Connor Heyward was ruled down. The Bears took possession and drove for the tying score, a 12-yard touchdown pass from Williams to tight end Colston Loveland with 3:56 left in the half.
The next Steelers "tush push" worked well. With the Steelers facing fourth-and-1 at their own 44, with 1:32 left in the half, they lined up in "push" formation with Heyward under center and Gainwell and Washington off each hip. Instead of sneaking forward, Heyward handed off to Gainwell, who followed Washington around the right side. Gainwell rolled a career-long 55 yards to the Chicago 1-yard line. On the next snap, Warren took a toss right and strolled into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run that gave the Steelers a 21-14 lead with 1:19 left in the half.
The Bears' Cairo Santos kicked a 47-yard field goal on the final snap of the half to cut the Steelers' halftime lead to 21-17.
The Bears took the lead on their first possession of the second half. A holding call on Steelers punt-gunner Skowronek negated a 54-yard net punt. Instead of the Bears taking over at their own 10, a re-punt gave them the ball at their 40. Williams' passes of 17, 14, and 14 yards set up a third-and-6, 25-yard touchdown pass to Moore. It gave the Bears a 24-21 lead with 8:29 left in the third quarter.
The Bears scored again early in the fourth quarter. A strip sack of Rudolph, by Sweat, was recovered by Sweat at the Chicago 46. The Bears moved 54 yards in 9 plays for a 2-yard Kyle Monangai touchdown run that gave them a 31-21 lead with 14:14 left.
The Steelers followed by driving 73 yards in 17 plays for a touchdown, a 3-yard Rudolph play-action pass to Pat Freiermuth on third down. The score cut the Bears' lead to 31-28 with 6:27 left. The longest play of the drive was a 19-yard reception by Calvin Austin on a third-and-6.
The Steelers got the ball back twice. They punted the first time, and after stopping the Bears in 24 seconds, got the ball back with 1:29 remaining. A 14-yard pass to Freiermuth opened the possession, but the Steelers were stopped just across midfield on the batted pass by strong safety Jaquan Brisker at the line of scrimmage.
The Bears kneeled down on the next snap to improve to 8-3 on the season.
The Steelers had more first downs (22-19), better third-down conversion percentage (57-54), more rushing yards (186-99), more sacks (2-1), fewer penalties and yardage (6/41-7/83), the same number of turnovers (2-2), and more time of possession (33:09-26:51), but couldn't secure the win.
Individually, Gainwell led all rushers with 92 yards on 10 carries. Rudolph – starting in place of injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers – completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards with 1-1 TD-INT for a passer rating of 86.9.
Tomlin said after the game he expects Rodgers to start next week at home against the Buffalo Bills.
