Aaron Rodgers injury: Steelers QB exits, returns vs. Bills

Update: After missing a series, Aaron Rodgers has returned against the Buffalo Bills.

Previous: Aaron Rodgers returned to the starting lineup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a pivotal matchup of AFC playoff contenders against the Buffalo Bills.

But a hit early in the second half has seen Rodgers exit that game.

Rodgers returned for this game after missing last week’s loss to the Chicago Bears. The veteran quarterback exited the Steelers’ Week 11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals with a left wrist injury, and it was confirmed that the quarterback was dealing with a fracture in his left wrist. Mason Rudolph started in place of Rodgers in last week’s loss to the Bears.

While Rodgers returned to the lineup today, reports surfaced in the hours prior to kickoff that he was dealing with perhaps multiple fractures in his wrist. Rodgers also played with a cast on in the first half, and the Steelers’ game-plan focused on Rodgers operating out of the pistol, rather than take snaps under center.

Pittsburgh held a 7-3 lead when the second half began, but this hard hit led to a scoop-and-score touchdown for the Bills, and sent Rodgers to the blue medical tent:

Making matters worse for Pittsburgh, Benford intercepted Rudolph shortly after the backup quarterback entered the game:

The Steelers have not yet provided an update on Rodgers’ status. He did exit the blue medical tent with a jacket on, and a bandage on his nose.