Steelers have 'great optimism' Aaron Rodgers will return vs. Bills

After a brief absence, it sounds like Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to action Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, two weeks after sustaining a left wrist fracture.

Rodgers came close to playing last week against the Bears in Chicago, only being ruled out Sunday morning. The Steelers lost 31-28 with Mason Rudolph at quarterback.

"We'll start this week with great optimism (about Rodgers' availability) although we certainly will limit him at the early portions of the week, provide opportunities for the other quarterbacks while preserving him," head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday. "But again, we're comfortable with the general trajectory, but I'll keep you updated in his level of participation and the quality of his participation over the course of the week will be the greatest indicator."

Rodgers, 41, completed 192 of 289 passes (66.4%) for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his first 10 games in Pittsburgh after a two-year stint with the New York Jets.

Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards, a touchdown and an interception in his first start of the season.

Tomlin also said Tuesday that starting left tackle Broderick Jones (neck) and starting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) will both miss Sunday's game after sustaining injuries vs. Chicago.

Since a 4-1 start, the Steelers (6-5) have lost four of the past six games. They're now tied with Baltimore atop the AFC North due to the Ravens' active five-game winning streak.

--Field Level Media