RODGERS PLAYED WITH UNDISCLOSED ILLNESS IN TEXANS PLAYOFF LOSS

Aaron Rodgers played in Pittsburgh Steelers' 30-6 playoff loss to Houston Texans in the wild-card round whilst suffering from an undisclosed illness, according to reporting from The Athletic. Rodgers told The Athletic's Mike Silver on Saturday that he experienced fever and vomiting before the game, and that team medical staff sent him home from the hotel after observing he appeared unwell. Rodgers insisted his symptoms had resolved before kickoff. In the game, Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards, no touchdowns and one interception, with a passer rating of 50.8, his lowest in postseason play.

Arthur Smith, former offensive coordinator for the Steelers, told The Athletic that Rodgers appeared unwell before the game, stating: "He looked terrible." Smith noted that Rodgers "downplayed" the illness and that there was never doubt he would play. The Steelers did not publicly disclose Rodgers's illness prior to the playoff game.

The failure to disclose could attract attention from the National Football League office, as precedent exists for financial penalties in such cases. In 2023, the Atlanta Falcons organisation and their former offensive coordinator received combined fines of $100,000 after failing to disclose that running back Bijan Robinson was ill before a game in which Robinson played. The Steelers have not yet faced any official action regarding the Rodgers situation.