Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers practiced on Thursday despite having a fracture in his left wrist.
And according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the future Hall of Famer looked really good.
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Rodgers, who is pushing to play this week against the Chicago Bears, was asked by reporters if he has extra incentive to play since the Bears are on the schedule.
Here’s what Rodgers, who dominated Chicago when he was with the Green Bay Packers, said:
“There’s incentive for every opponent, but I have enjoyed many a Sunday and Monday and Thursdays in that city,” Rodgers said. “It’s a great sports town, phenomenal sports fans and great place to play.”
In 29 games against the Bears, Rodgers has 64 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. The Packers beat the Bears in the NFC Championship Game in the 2010 season and won the Super Bowl against the Steelers.
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On the season, Rodgers has 1,969 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s completing 66.4% of his passes for the Steelers, are in first place in the AFC North with a record of 6-4.
Asked whether he embraced being the villain in the rivalry with the Bears, Rodgers smirked and added, “I’d rather not be; I mean, I’m not in Green Bay anymore. I feel like we can let bygones be bygones. Maybe I can, I guess.
“It’s a great rivalry. … When I first got to Green Bay, the Bears had the all-time series lead. When I left, [the] Packers did. Since [Jordan] J-Love has taken over, it’s even gotten better, but I hope those fans can put that behind ’em. I’m sure they can’t, don’t expect ’em to, but I really enjoy the city.”
If Rodgers doesn’t play against the Bears, Mason Rudolph will start for the Steelers. Rudolph came in for Rodgers and played well against the Cincinnati Bengals, going 12-16 for 127 yards and one touchdown.
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“It feels better than it did Sunday, that’s for sure,” Rodgers said. “Was thankful to get today to work with [head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah] and just focus on rehab for today. Trying to get back on the field tomorrow and see what I can do.”