Veteran QB Rodgers Injured in Steelers' Comeback Win Over Bengals

On November 16, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers surged past the Cincinnati Bengals 34-12 in a game that saw veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers leave the field with an injury.

Rodgers, the NFL's oldest active player at 41, injured his left hand during a Pittsburgh drive late in the first half. It was unclear exactly when the four-time MVP was hurt, but he was hit illegally twice during the drive, resulting in roughing-the-passer penalties against Cincinnati.

With Rodgers sidelined, backup Mason Rudolph stepped in and guided a pair of long second-half scoring drives to lead the Steelers (6-4) to victory. Rudolph completed 12 of 16 throws for 127 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Kenny Gainwell that sealed the game.

The Steelers' defense also played a crucial role, adding two touchdowns of its own. Safety Kyle Dugger returned a Joe Flacco pass 74 yards for a game-turning pick-6 in the third quarter, while cornerback James Pierre added a 32-yard scoop-and-score late in the fourth.

Flacco's run of inspired play came to an abrupt end, as the 40-year-old completed 23 of 40 passes for 199 yards with a touchdown and Dugger's interception. Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was held to just three catches for 30 yards in the rematch.

The Steelers' victory puts them in first place in the AFC North, though it remains to be seen who will be under center when they travel to Chicago next week.