Ian Rapoport dismisses revelation about Aaron Rodgers’ broken wrist

Mike Tomlin did more than calm nerves on Friday. The coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers confirmed that Aaron Rodgers will start Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, noting the veteran quarterback practiced fully, did not carry a game tag and was, in Tomlin’s words, “all systems go” after missing last week’s loss to the Chicago Bears with a wrist injury. At 6-5 in the tight AFC race, Pittsburgh is making a direct bet on its 41-year-old star.

That decision seems even more startling in light of new details about Rodgers’ condition. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Rodgers is ready to take the field despite multiple fractures in his left wrist.

Tests revealed at least three broken bones, including another more serious fracture that usually requires significant impact. The only saving grace was that none of the fractures were displaced, allowing the doctors to clean it out. Meanwhile, Rodgers, unsurprisingly, dismissed any pain concerns.

Inside the building, his choice to play only reinforced the respect already present in the locker room. His teammates saw him as a tone-setter as soon as he arrived; now they see a quarterback willing to take snaps, trade and absorb snaps with a damaged wrist that wasn’t throwing just because the team needed him. Coaches believe the brace and extra padding can manage the risk as long as he protects on sacks and avoids using that hand to break up downs.

Further complicating matters, Pittsburgh will be a critical part of its defensive unit. The start of the left match Broderick Jones was placed on injured reserve with the neck injury he suffered against Chicago sidelining him for at least four games and forcing veteran Calvin Anderson into a bigger role. Losing an anchor on the side is tough every week; losing one ahead of facing Buffalo while your quarterback plays through multiple breakdowns makes the task even steeper.

So Sunday becomes a test of toughness and calculation all at once. Rodgers is here, the margin for error is slim, and the Steelers will find out if their quarterback’s willingness to play through pain can carry them or magnify the risks they choose to take.