Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers left Sunday's game against the Bengals with a left hand injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers exited the game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a left hand injury. This is concerning, as the Steelers only lead the AFC North by one game over the Baltimore Ravens.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph took over for the injured Rodgers. The Steelers lead 20-12 in the fourth quarter.
In the game, Rodgers completed nine of 15 passes for 101 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. On the season, the 41-year-old has completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 1,853 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
While he is no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was, Rodgers is playing well, and his health is pivotal for Pittsburgh's playoff chances.
Now the Steelers will rely on Rudolph to finish off the game to pick up a win over the Bengals. Thus far, he has completed six of nine passes for 53 yards.
Pittsburgh will likely lean on the run game to take the pressure off of Rudolph and to burn the clock. Running back Jaylen Warren has had success, rushing for 62 yards on 10 carries. As a whole, the Steelers have rushed for 101 yards on 22 carries.
In his career, Rudolph has completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 4,627 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
Rudolph could also look to star wide receiver DK Metcalf to make big catches down the stretch. Metcalf has just four receptions for 39 yards in the game. On the season, Metcalf has hauled in 32 receptions for 502 yards and five touchdowns.
Pittsburgh should simplify the offense with Rudolph and let him manage the game to earn the victory.
The Steelers may be able to hold on to a win over the Bengals without Rodgers, but they could ill afford to lose him for the stretch run of the season.
The race to win the AFC North will be a battle with the Ravens. Pittsburgh has a tough schedule ahead, with matchups against the Baltimore Ravens twice, the Buffalo Bills, and the Detroit Lions.
Rodgers' health will be crucial to watch moving forward, as it could make or break the Steelers' season.