Mason Rudolph to start at quarterback for Steelers against Bears

CHICAGO – Mason Rudolph will get his first start of the season at quarterback and Aaron Rodgers will be inactive Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

Coach Mike Tomlin made the decision before putting the QBs through warmups Sunday.

In a pregame interview with CBS, Tomlin said the Steelers did not feel confident in Rodgers’ ability to play with a brace on his injured left wrist. That decision cleared the way for Rudolph to start against the Bears. Rookie sixth-round pick Will Howard will serve as Rudolph’s backup.

Rodgers was among five players listed as inactive by Tomlin. He did not carry the emergency No. 3 quarterback designation.

Rodgers was injured late in the first half of the Steelers’ 34-12 victory last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rudolph played the second half and completed 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards.

Rudolph took the first-team reps in practice this week. Rodgers was limited Thursday and Friday and carried a questionable designation coming into the weekend. Rodgers took snaps out of the shotgun while working with the first team on Friday. He did not take any from under center.

“He fought his tail off all week,” Tomlin said, “but that is the prudent play for us to make as a collective.”

Rodgers had started 27 consecutive games since the 2024 season.

Highsmith sits again

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith will miss his second game in a row for the Steelers and fourth of the season. Highsmith continues to be bothered by a pectoral injury. He was listed as doubtful after practice Friday but was one of five players on the inactive list Sunday.

Nick Herbig will start at outside linebacker in Highsmith’s place.

Also inactive for the Steelers were guard Andrus Peat and defensive linemen Brodrick Martin-Rhodes and Logan Lee.

Cornerback Darius Slay and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward had their injury designations removed Saturday and will play against the Bears.

Bears inactives

Dealing with numerous injuries on defense, the Bears won’t have left tackle Theo Benedet available against the Steelers. He was one seven players scratched Sunday. Benedet is dealing with a quad injury. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo is expected to start in his place.

Also inactive for the Bears were wide receiver Jahdae Walker, running back Travis Homer, linebackers Noah Sewell and T.J. Edwards and defensive lineman Jonathan Ford.

Case Keenum will serve as the Bears’ emergency third quarterback.