Ben Johnson had simple message for Bears with Aaron Rodgers ruled out

The Chicago Bears were in limbo coming into their Week 12 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, not knowing the availability status of quarterback Aaron Rodgers up until the very final moments before kickoff.

In replacement of Rodgers, veteran backup Mason Rudolph filled in at starter and didn't get off to the best of starts, throwing an interception on the first drive in an incredible play by Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright.

Rudolph would slow it down on offense, and put together several long scoring drives for Pittsburgh, and he ended the day completing 24-of-31 passes for 171 yards, one passing touchdown, and one interception. Even with the Bears getting the win, the storyline surrounding Rodgers was the biggest talking point of the week, except for head coach Ben Johnson.

After Sunday's win, Johnson revealed his simple and straightforward message he gave to the team once Rodgers was ruled out.

"It doesn't matter. We just keep playing," Johnson said. "Doesn't matter who's out there."

There will always be fun in the thought about how Johnson's Bears would've played against their bitter rival quarterback, who's had a ton of success throughout his career against Chicago. Needless to say however, the Bears got the victory, Johnson and the team's coaches had the players ready to play, and now they're 8-3 through the first 11 games of the season.

Chicago will now prepare to take on the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday, a massive matchup on a short week.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson had simple message for Bears with Aaron Rodgers ruled out