Aaron Rodgers remains, officially, questionable to play Sunday. But there is no longer any question that two other Pittsburgh Steelers starters will be in uniform to face the Chicago Bears.
Via a team spokesman, the Steelers revealed early Saturday afternoon that defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and cornerback Darius Slay had been upgraded from “questionable” to play in Sunday’s game to given a green light in regards to health. Heyward suffered an ankle injury during Friday’s practice, and Slay missed last week’s victory against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a concussion suffered during a defeat at the Los Angeles Chargers the Sunday prior.
Starting quarterback Rodgers suffered a broken bone in his left (non-throwing) wrist late in the first half against the Bengals and was limited at practice Thursday and Friday this week. He is still considered likely to play against the Bears, but that the team did not make that official when they did for Heyward and Slay suggests that a definitive decision on Rodgers has not yet been made.
If Rodgers cannot play, Mason Rudolph would make his first start for the Steelers since a playoff game at the Buffalo Bills to cap the 2023 season.
Teams have until 90 minutes before kickoff to designate their gameday roster, typically comprising of 48 players.
Rookie Will Howard is the team’s third-string quarterback.
Note: The status for outside linebacker Alex Highsmith remains doubtful, making it likely he will miss a second consecutive game because of a pectoral injury.
