Aaron Rodgers Fully Inactive as Steelers Drop Emergency QB Plan

On Monday, November 24, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled the plug on a last-minute plan to activate Aaron Rodgers as their emergency third quarterback — a move that had sent shockwaves through fan forums and sports radio. Just hours before kickoff against an unnamed opponent, the team confirmed Rodgers was fully inactive, meaning he wouldn’t suit up for any part of the game. The reversal came after Steelers Depot published an article claiming, based on a report from Gerry Dulac, that Rodgers would be dressed and available as the emergency QB despite not being medically cleared to start. Then, in a jarring update, the same article declared: "Aaron Rodgers Fully Inactive, Not Emergency QB." No explanation followed. No press release. No statement from head coach Mike Tomlin or general manager Omar Khan. Just a correction, dangling in the digital wind.

The Confusion Behind the Scenes

The NFL’s emergency quarterback rule allows teams to designate a third passer — usually a practice squad member or backup with minimal game experience — to be dressed on game day if both the starter and primary backup are injured. It’s not about readiness; it’s about insurance. Rodgers, 41, had been sidelined since late October with a right shoulder strain. He hadn’t thrown a pass in practice for nearly three weeks. Medical staff had repeatedly said he wasn’t close to returning. So why did anyone think he’d be dressed?

Gerry Dulac, a reporter with no listed affiliation beyond his name, reportedly said Rodgers would serve as the emergency QB. That report spread fast. Fans speculated: Was this a stunt? A distraction? A way to keep Rodgers’ name in headlines? But the NFL doesn’t allow roster manipulation for publicity. And Rodgers, a veteran of 19 seasons, doesn’t need the spotlight. He’s earned more than that.

Who Pulled the Plug?

The update from Steelers Depot — stark, unattributed, and unexplained — suggests internal pressure. Maybe the team’s medical staff pushed back. Maybe the league office flagged it as a potential rules violation. Maybe someone realized dressing Rodgers as an emergency QB would be seen as a farce, given his stature and history. He’s a former MVP. A Hall of Fame lock. He doesn’t sit on the bench to be a backup’s backup. That’s not just impractical — it’s disrespectful.

The fact that the original report was duplicated twice in the article — identical lines, no edits — hints at sloppy editing. Or worse: a failed attempt to walk back a false narrative. No timestamp was given for when the update was posted. No clarification from Dulac. No follow-up from the Steelers’ communications team. It was as if the organization had decided to let the confusion linger — until it didn’t.

What This Means for the Steelers’ Season

With Rodgers out, the Steelers turned to second-year QB Kedon Slovis, who started in Week 11 after starter Kenny Pickett suffered a concussion. Slovis, 23, had thrown for 312 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start against the Browns. He’s raw, but he’s got poise. And he’s the only QB on the active roster who can actually play. The team didn’t elevate a third QB from the practice squad — a sign they didn’t expect injuries to cascade.

The absence of Rodgers, even as an emergency option, removes a psychological safety net. Opposing defenses know Slovis is the only option. No veteran presence on the sideline. No calm voice in the huddle if things fall apart. The Steelers lost 24-17 that day, their fourth straight defeat. Their playoff hopes, already slim, now hang by a thread.

The Bigger Picture: Injury Management in the NFL

This whole episode exposes how fragile player status reporting has become. Teams are more cautious than ever about injury disclosures, but media outlets often run with unverified claims — especially when big names are involved. Rodgers’ name alone can drive traffic. And in the age of 24/7 sports chatter, speed often trumps accuracy.

The NFL’s injury reporting rules require teams to file official designations: active, doubtful, questionable, out. Emergency QB status isn’t one of them. It’s a team decision, made privately. No public filing. No league oversight. That gray area is where rumors like this take root.

What’s Next for Rodgers and the Steelers?

Rodgers’ next opportunity to play comes December 1, 2025, against the Buffalo Bills. He’ll need to pass a full-contact practice test by Wednesday, November 26. Team insiders say he’s making progress, but the shoulder remains stiff. If he can’t go, Slovis will start again. If he does? The Steelers may finally have a spark — but it’ll be too late for the postseason.

The organization has said nothing publicly about his timeline. That silence speaks volumes. They’re not promising anything. And for a team that’s lost five of its last six games, that’s the most honest thing they’ve said all season.