Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers to return for crucial AFC showdown against Bills

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a big boost with the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the starting lineup for the team’s game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium.

Rodgers, 41, missed the team’s 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears last week with a wrist injury on his non-throwing arm. The veteran quarterback pushed to play against his old rival, but the team opted to stop him.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Rodgers will not have an injury designation against the Bills and participated fully in Friday’s practice.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers runs onto the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Nov. 16, 2025. (Barry Reeger/Image Images)

Rodgers was injured during the team’s 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals two weeks ago. Mason Rudolph replaced him during that game and started against the Bears.

Against the Bears, Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) holds his arm after a hit by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half on Nov. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh. (Matt Freed/AP Photo)

Rodgers’ return comes at a key time for the Steelers after the Baltimore Ravens lost on Thanksgiving Day, 32-14, to the Cincinnati Bengals, dropping them to 6-6. The Steelers are 6-5 and a win over the Bills would put them atop the AFC North.

The Steelers’ most likely path to the playoffs is to win the division, so a win over the Bills would go a long way toward improving their playoff chances.

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Rodgers played well in his first season with the Steelers. The four-time MVP has completed 66.4% of his passes for 1,969 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Tomlin also said star receiver DK Metcalf, who is dealing with an ankle injury, is also expected to play.

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