Rodgers Injures Hand, Steelers Secure 34-12 Victory Over Bengals

PITTSBURGH – In a decisive victory on October 29, 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 34-12. However, the game was marred by an injury to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who did not return for the second half after injuring his left, non-throwing hand in the second quarter.

The incident occurred late in the second quarter as Rodgers was tackled after throwing the ball away during a second-and-goal situation. He landed awkwardly on his hand, which appeared to be bleeding when he made his way to the sideline during Chris Boswell’s 25-yard field goal attempt. Following the injury, the Steelers listed Rodgers as questionable to return, yet he did not rejoin the team after halftime, leaving the second half in the hands of backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Rudolph stepped up effectively, completing 12 of 16 passes for 127 yards and throwing a touchdown pass to Kenneth Gainwell in the fourth quarter. His performance helped maintain the momentum of the Steelers’ offense, ensuring they secured the victory despite losing their starting quarterback.

The Steelers’ injury challenges continued into the second half when running back Jaylen Warren sustained an ankle injury. He was escorted off the field by medical personnel and underwent evaluation in the blue medical tent after contributing 62 yards on 10 carries, along with two receptions for five yards. Although Warren was initially ruled questionable, he returned to the sidelines wearing his helmet after a brief stay in the tent.

As the game progressed, Warren was expected to return to action on a crucial 2nd-and-3 play from the 12-yard line with six minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, the Steelers called a timeout, and Warren did not re-enter the game when the offense resumed play.

The combination of injuries to key players like Rodgers and Warren raises concerns for the Steelers as they prepare for upcoming matches. Despite the setbacks, the team demonstrated resilience, showcasing depth in their roster and the ability to adapt under pressure. The victory against the Bengals solidified their competitive standing as they continue their season in pursuit of playoff contention.