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QB Aaron Rodgers Confirms He Will Play Despite Still Dealing with Injury – Mike Tomlin Reveals Reason He Had to Lock in QB1 Early Before the Epic Clash with the Bills

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 28/11/2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 13 under immense pressure after a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears. The season is slipping off track, and the team desperately needs a spark heading into a massive showdown with the Buffalo Bills — a game that could define their entire playoff fate. And this morning, that spark arrived: head coach Mike Tomlin officially announced that Aaron Rodgers will be the QB1, even though the 42-year-old star is still not fully recovered from his wrist injury.

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No waiting until the weekend.
No letting rumors swirl.
Tomlin made the call early — a decision that felt like a declaration of intent.

Sources inside the building say Rodgers pushed hard to play, especially with the matchup against the Bills and Josh Allen looming — a duel he openly admitted he “does not want to miss.” After being ruled out moments before kickoff in Week 12, Rodgers spent the entire week proving he was ready to lead the team again.

During Thursday’s press briefing, Tomlin delivered a statement that carried weight — and a hint of mystery — sending waves across the NFL:

“This week we don’t have the luxury of choosing safety. We need someone willing to step to the front line, and Aaron looked me straight in the eye and said he’d be that guy. And as for why I had to lock in QB1 early… once you see how the entire team reacts every time Rodgers steps into the huddle, you’ll understand why we couldn’t wait another second.”

Tomlin didn’t spell out the details, but his tone made it clear that something deeper than scheme — maybe team morale, maybe a commitment from Rodgers — forced an early decision.

Despite limited wrist mobility, Rodgers practiced more this week than last and showed he could throw, move, and control the rhythm of the offense. What he brings isn’t just mechanics; it’s steadiness, leadership, and belief — qualities the Steelers sorely lacked in the loss to Chicago.

On the opposite sideline, Josh Allen is on fire and the Bills are pushing hard in the playoff race. Pittsburgh knows that if they want any chance at a win, they need Rodgers — not at his healthiest, but at his most determined.

This Sunday, the spotlight will fall squarely on Rodgers vs. Allen.
And the Steelers believe Mike Tomlin’s early QB1 decision might be the turning point that saves their season.

BREAKING: Bears Among Top Landing Spots for Former $141 Million Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher
Chicago, Illinois – January 2026 Chicago Bears are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Khalil Mack, a former $141 million edge rusher, as he is set to hit free agency in the spring. The 34-year-old player, widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, is expected to be a top target for teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster, and the Bears could be the perfect fit. After spending the past few years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack had a solid 2025 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. While Mack may not be the dominant force he once was, he remains a top-tier pass rusher and a leader with invaluable experience, potentially providing a significant boost to the Bears' defense, which is on the rise. According to Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports, the Bears could be the most likely destination for Mack. “Mack returns to Chicago, where he starred from 2018-2021. The Bears need to boost their pass rush without spending too much, and Mack fits that perfectly,” Pereles said. The Bears have the salary cap flexibility to bring Mack in without making a massive financial commitment, making him a sensible option for a team looking to bolster its defense without overspending. The Bears have shown strong defensive potential under head coach Mike Macdonald, but Mack could provide the veteran presence needed for a group of young, developing pass rushers. His leadership and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks would be a welcome addition, and his past success with the Bears makes him an ideal candidate to return to Chicago. However, the Bears won’t be the only team competing for Mack. Other teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks are also interested. The Bengals may need a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, the Panthers have multiple defensive needs, and the Seahawks have the cap space to make a big splash signing. “Bears is my old home, where I spent some of the most important years of my career. Even though I’ve been away, Chicago has always been in my heart. Coming back here is not just an opportunity to contribute to the team but a homecoming journey. I believe I can bring strength and experience to help the Bears go further, and if given the chance, I’ll do everything I can to help the team achieve great things,” Mack shared. For Mack, the final decision will depend on the role he’s offered and which team is best positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the years ahead. But as the Bears continue their pursuit of a championship, they remain one of the most attractive landing spots for this veteran pass rusher.