The Steelers began their preparation for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field and the main topic of conversation in Pittsburgh this week is focused on the injury report.
And it's about one player in particular.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
As expected, Rodgers didn't practice on Wednesday as he is dealing with a fracture in his left wrist, one that doesn't require surgery.
Rodgers said it feels better today than it did on Sunday, he did rehab on Wednesday and said he wants to 'try and get back on the field tomorrow and see what I can do.'
Rodgers was asked what needs to happen for him to play on Sunday.
"Got to get the okay," said Rodgers after practice on Wednesday. "Got to feel like I can protect myself."
Rodgers suffered the injury in the first half of the Steelers win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, forcing him to miss the second half. Tomlin didn't rule out Rodgers playing on Sunday against the Bears.
"Aaron has a fracture in his wrist. It does not require surgery," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Really, it's just about bracing it and securing it for his comfort and safety, and then it's about how functional he is.
"And so, we don't have the answers to that, but certainly I would imagine we will get some clarity as we push through the week. I think his experience really kind of aids in that. He's the type of guy and has the type of profile that doesn't require a lot of physical work in an effort to be ready to play. And that's helpful.
"In the meanwhile, certainly it'll provide opportunities for Mason (Rudolph) and Will (Howard) to get quality work as we start the week, and I think that's the posture that we're in.
"A little later in the week we'll take a look at Aaron. And, again, as I mentioned, the variables are stabilizing it and making sure that he's safe and he can protect himself, brace himself as he falls, et cetera. Pain tolerance, but that doesn't seem to be an issue with Aaron. He wanted to go back in the game on Sunday. And then, lastly, obviously, how effective he can be.
"Friday is probably a big day in terms of some of those things. I know he's working his tail off to be a component of this this week.
"He and I talked (Monday). He expressed that directly. I'm of the mindset of supporting that, while at the same time I got a healthy collective of guys as a team and as a unit to ready.
"In the meanwhile, that will be our mindset. We'll have a great week's work (Wednesday) centered around Mason Rudolph and what he does. And we'll see where the week leads us, and we'll take it day by day."
With Rodgers status unknown at this time, game-planning for the Bears is something that Tomlin was asked about with a key position up in the air.
"There's not anything to balance," said Tomlin. "We've gone through 10 games catering it to Aaron and his talents and gaining certain traction there about the schematics. And all the while, we've been gaining some perspective about what's best for Mason. As a matter of fact, each and every week he goes through things within the plan that are really comfortable for him.
"So, it won't be our first week at it. Certainly, it will be our first week operationally, but the process, you go through that just about every week as you prepare a starter and a potential backup in terms of how to best highlight their talents so that the unit can move regardless of who's playing, particularly when they have different skill sets."
While it's the one gaining the most attention, the injury to Rodgers isn't the only one the Steelers are dealing with.
Running back Jaylen Warren suffered an ankle injury against the Bengals that Tomlin said would limit him in practice, but he is 'optimistic about his inclusion' in Sunday's game.
Warren was cleared to return against the Bengals following his injury, but because of the success running back Kenneth Gainwell was having Tomlin stuck with him.
"He was cleared to play. He was willing to play," said Tomlin of Warren. "We just thought Kenny was doing a good job. Those are decisions that we make in-game sometimes.
"It's not totally up to the player's will or the expert medical device. It's about who gives us the best chance to win, and certainly at that point in the game, based on what we've seen, things were going well with Kenny. Things were less than ideal with Jaylen, and so we stuck with the hot hand."
The full practice and injury report is below.
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 12
Wednesday, November 19
No. 8 QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist) - DNP
No. 23 CB Darius Slay (Concussion) - Full
No. 30 RB Jaylen Warren (Ankle) - DNP
No. 55 LB Cole Holcomb (Illness) - Full
No. 56 LB Alex Highsmith (Pectoral) - DNP
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Pectoral) - Limited
No. 81 TE Jonnu Smith (NIR - Rest) - DNP
No. 85 WR Ke'Shawn Williams (Concussion) - Limited
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (NIR - Rest) - DNP
No. 97 DT Cameron Heyward (NIR - Rest) - DNP
Chicago Bears Participation/Injury Report, Week 12
Wednesday, November 19
No. 9 DB Jaquan Brisker (Shoulder) - DNP
No. 31 DB Kevin Byard III (NIR - Rest) - DNP
No. 49 LB Tremaine Edmunds (Groin) - DNP
No. 53 LB T.J. Edwards (Hand/Hamstring) - DNP
No. 50 DL Grady Jarrett (NIR - Rest) - DNP
No. 44 LB Noah Sewell (Elbow) - DNP
No. 52 OL Drew Dalman (Knee) - Limited
* No. 6 DB Kyler Gordon (Calf) - Limited
No. 21 RB Travis Homer (Hamstring/Knee) - Limited
* No. 1 DB Jaylon Johnson (Groin) - Limited
No. 29 DB Tyrique Stevenson (Hip/Calf) - Limited
No. 4 RB D'Andre Swift (Hip) - Limited
No. 58 OL Darnell Wright (Pectoral) - Limited
* in the 21-day window designated to return from Injured Reserve
Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
