At 41, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to command significant defensive attention, shaping game plans before snaps. Indianapolis acknowledges his enduring impact, with players expressing deep respect for his experience and ability to manipulate defenses. Rodgers is cleared to play, and the Colts are preparing for his controlled tempo and pocket presence. There are very few quarterbacks in NFL history who still move the needle every single week at age 41, and there are even fewer who continue to shape full defensive game plans before they even take a snap. That’s the aura Pittsburgh walks into with its veteran in Week 9. The storyline isn’t just the matchup, it’s the anticipation wrapped around it. Indianapolis knows it can’t afford to waste early possessions, and Pittsburgh knows its identity still revolves around pre-snap mastery, timing, and an old-school mentality built around situational discipline. That is why all week in AFC circles, the question wasn’t about who has the better record, it was simply: can the quarterback still do it on demand, against a 7-1 defense that’s been opportunistic?
Will Aaron Rodgers play today?
Yes, Aaron Rodgers will be playing against the Indianapolis Colts today. Rodgers enters Sunday with 16 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 104.4 rating across his first seven games in black and gold and despite his age, he’s still manipulating defenses at line level. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones didn’t hide the admiration, saying: “I’ve certainly looked up to him for a long time … I think yeah, he’s one of the greats for sure. So, a ton of respect for him.”That respect has translated into how Indianapolis drew up its week, with the understanding this version of the Steelers offense doesn’t lean purely on arm talent, but on experience, leverage, and quick processing.
Indianapolis defense preparing for Aaron Rodgers’ tempo and pocket control
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner summed up the frustration playing against him: “Even if you’re getting back there … or he does some savvy, heads-up plays … So, that can get frustrating, but as a front, you got to continue to rush.”The familiarity is deeper for safety Cam Bynum, having seen him in NFC North wars, while linebacker Zaire Franklin believes Rodgers simply looks “comfortable” again in Pittsburgh.So yes, Sunday is a health-cleared, full-go situation. And the Colts are preparing accordingly.Also Read: Lamar Jackson injury controversy: NFL slaps Baltimore Ravens with $100,000 fine after the QB’s injury cover-up sparks outrage