Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a significant injury during Sunday's 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving his future in the team's starting lineup uncertain. Rodgers was hit twice during a pivotal drive late in the first half and suffered an apparent left hand injury. After being initially listed as "questionable," he did not return to the field for the second half.
With Rodgers sidelined, backup quarterback Mason Rudolph stepped up and led two long scoring drives, guiding the Steelers past the Bengals. Rudolph completed 12 of 16 throws for 127 yards, including a crucial five-yard touchdown pass to running back Kenny Gainwell that sealed the win. Pittsburgh's defense also added two touchdowns, with safety Kyle Dugger picking off quarterback Joe Flacco and returning it 74 yards for a game-turning pick-six.
Flacco, who had been struggling since taking over for an injured Joe Burrow, delivered one of his worst performances in weeks. He completed just 23 of 40 passes for 199 yards with a touchdown, but ultimately couldn't overcome the Steelers' potent offense. The Bengals were held to three catches for 30 yards by Ja'Marr Chase, who had set a franchise record with 16 receptions in their first meeting.
The loss sets back Cincinnati's slim hopes of making a playoff push. For now, the Steelers will be looking to maintain their top spot in the AFC North, but it remains to be seen how long Rodgers' injury will keep him out of action. The team is scheduled to face the Chicago Bears next week, with Rudolph potentially stepping into the starting role for the time being.
Meanwhile, the Bengals will look to bounce back from this loss when they host the New England Patriots next Sunday. The Steelers will travel to Soldier Field to take on the Bears the following week, with Mason Rudolph likely at the helm.
With Rodgers sidelined, backup quarterback Mason Rudolph stepped up and led two long scoring drives, guiding the Steelers past the Bengals. Rudolph completed 12 of 16 throws for 127 yards, including a crucial five-yard touchdown pass to running back Kenny Gainwell that sealed the win. Pittsburgh's defense also added two touchdowns, with safety Kyle Dugger picking off quarterback Joe Flacco and returning it 74 yards for a game-turning pick-six.
Flacco, who had been struggling since taking over for an injured Joe Burrow, delivered one of his worst performances in weeks. He completed just 23 of 40 passes for 199 yards with a touchdown, but ultimately couldn't overcome the Steelers' potent offense. The Bengals were held to three catches for 30 yards by Ja'Marr Chase, who had set a franchise record with 16 receptions in their first meeting.
The loss sets back Cincinnati's slim hopes of making a playoff push. For now, the Steelers will be looking to maintain their top spot in the AFC North, but it remains to be seen how long Rodgers' injury will keep him out of action. The team is scheduled to face the Chicago Bears next week, with Rudolph potentially stepping into the starting role for the time being.
Meanwhile, the Bengals will look to bounce back from this loss when they host the New England Patriots next Sunday. The Steelers will travel to Soldier Field to take on the Bears the following week, with Mason Rudolph likely at the helm.
, and now mason rudolph gets 2 b da man? idk if it's gonna work out 4 him tho...he did some gr8 thangs last nite but let's be real, he ain't a10 
. flacco's got 2 get his act 2gthr ASAP or its gonna be a looong offseason for cincinnati 
! Aaron Rodgers, one of the best in the league, gets hurt and now his future is all up in the air? It's like déjà vu - remember when Ben Roethlisberger used to get sacked all the time and you'd be on the edge of your seat wondering if he'd make it through the game? I swear, quarterbacks are just a dime a dozen these days... 
Rodgers is such a legend, can't believe he got hurt now. Mason Rudolph came through big time for the Steelers! 
I wonder if they'll stick with him or bring in another QB when Rodgers gets back. Interesting how Flacco just lost it, been struggling all season...
I think it's quite telling that Aaron Rodgers' injury has put a significant strain on the Steelers' offense, forcing Mason Rudolph to step up and deliver. It's not necessarily a bad thing, though - Rudolph showed some promise in this game, and his experience could be just what the team needs while Rodgers is sidelined.
i feel bad for rodgers tho he's been playing amazingly all season and now this 
and mason rudolph did surprisingly well stepping up as backup 
but steelers need rodgers back ASAP to keep their chances of winning it all 
But still gotta wonder what this means for the rest of the season, and how much it affects Rodgers' future with the team... 
12/16 ain't too shabby for backup duty. And that Bengals defense was straight fire! 
Safety Dugger's pick-six was crazy. Flacco just had one of those days where nothing went right. 
. I mean, Mason Rudolph stepped up and did a solid job, but it's not the same as having Rodgers under center 
. The Steelers played solid, but I'm still thinking they'll lose to the Bears next week with Rudolph under center 
.