Expecting Rodgers back: The Steelers went into Chicago looking to stay on top of the AFC North with a win over the Bears, but they left with a 31-28 loss, despite a late attempt to come back.

“I thought it was a hard-fought game,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “Certainly, got to compliment Coach (Ben) Johnson and the Bears on a winning performance. Like I told the team, it’s tight when it’s good-on-good, particularly when you’re in a hostile environment.

“Any number of plays could change the outcome of the game, and that’s why we just have to live every down singularly in all three phases. I think (Sunday) was a very good illustration of that. I thought we could have better field position with our kickoff team, for example. More timely punting with our punt team.

“I thought we started the second half slow. I think we had two three and outs on offense. I thought our defense could have smiled in the face of adversity better.

“In the first half in particular, I think we got stopped on fourth down. They scored a touchdown. We turned the ball over, they scored a touchdown, and I think if we’re going to be good, you’ve got to make people settle for field goals or less under those circumstances.

“And so, we’re all responsible. We know that. That game is an illustration of that. It’s just tight when it’s good-on-good and we didn’t make enough plays and enough sequences as I mentioned to be successful.”

Quarterback Mason Rudolph started the game in place of Aaron Rodgers, who is dealing with a broken bone in his left wrist. Tomlin said he made the decision on Saturday to start Rudolph.

“I anticipate him being ready for next week,” said Tomlin of Rodgers, who could start against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. “It was a prudent decision to make.

“Certainly, it wasn’t a fluid week for him. It was a fluid week for Mason in terms of reps and so forth.

“And so, I think it’ll be in our rear view as we move forward. I’m hopeful of that.”

Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception that eventually led to a Bears touchdown, and lost a fumble on a strip sack, which also led to another Bears score.

“I thought he was game. He always is,” said Tomlin. “He made plays for us, particularly in the fourth quarter.

“But as a collective, him included, we didn’t do enough to win.”

Cornerback James Pierre started for the second straight week, even though there was an indication that Darius Slay would return to the starting lineup if healthy. Slay, who is coming off a concussion, was however limited in practice on Friday.

“He got a quality week’s work,” said Tomlin of Pierre. “When you’re going into tough competitive circumstances, sometimes you base decisions on preparation and who gets the looks, and certainly as we mentioned and talked about over the last several weeks, James Pierre has been playing well.

“We’ll see what holds for next week.”