Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a wrist injury during the team’s 34-12 conference win over the Bengals. Mason Rudolph looked serviceable in relief, but is he the best option going forward if Rodgers misses extended time?

My Hottest Take: We Need To Know If Will Howard Is The Future Right Now

With Rodgers deemed questionable after suffering a wrist fracture, there’s a chance he’s unavailable for a game or two. If he can’t go, Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith should reconsider going with Rudolph as their next man up. This decision doesn’t have anything to do with Rudolph’s capability–he’s shown that he can hold it down as the starter, and he has far more experience than the rookie Howard. However, as I mentioned last week, Pittsburgh has to figure out their plan for the future at quarterback. Figuring out what they have in Howard is a huge step towards formulating that plan.

Howard thrived at Ohio State while surrounded by elite playmakers. While his arm talent is below-average, his decision making and leadership were big selling points during the 2025 NFL Draft. If he can gain the confidence of the coaching staff and the front office, draft picks and cap space can be allocated elsewhere. If he’s not the answer, then Pittsburgh would be left in limbo the moment Rodgers retires if they’re not prepared.

What You Need To Know: The Defense is a Comedy, Not a Tragedy

The Steelers defense can be aptly defined by four statistics:

• 2,617: Passing Yards Allowed (third-worst in NFL)

• 18: Takeaways (tied for second-best in NFL)

• 81: Missed Tackles (second-worst in NFL)

• 33: Sacks (third-best in NFL)

The media has plenty of descriptors for this unit: overpaid, weakness, turnover machine, wasted potential, inconsistent. How about hilarious? Sure, Steelers fans have to sweat out every defensive series, but for the unaffiliated fan, it’s great entertainment. Something is likely to happen on every play. Our questions about this defense won’t find answers this year, so maybe it’s time to stop asking them and just enjoy the fireworks.

Before You Go: Free Jalen Ramsey

Jalen Ramsey was ejected from the game after an altercation with Bengals star Jamarr Chase, throwing a punch after repeated confrontations between the two. Ramsey claimed after the game that Chase spat on him, prompting him to swing in retaliation. Officials didn’t catch it, and Chase denied the accusation when questioned by the media. Video evidence, however, proved that Ramsey was correct; Chase can clearly be seen spitting on Ramsey during their exchange after a timeout was called on the field.

Bonus Round: Is James Pierre a Bucket?

While Ramsey’s legendary trash talk was certainly a part of Chase’s frustration, the situation wasn’t helped by his lack of production, bringing in only three receptions for 30 yards. Steelers cornerback James Pierre played a fantastic game on Sunday, spending the majority of the afternoon blanketing Chase while also recovering a Noah Fant fumble and returning it for a touchdown. Pierre’s consistency throughout the afternoon could be part of the answer for a tattered defensive back group, and improved play from him going forward could help the Steelers take another step towards playoff contention.