One of the main storylines entering the Chicago Bears’ Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is whether or not Aaron Rodgers will play Sunday at Soldier Field.

As of now, the veteran quarterback is listed as questionable with a fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist. Mason Rudolph finished the Steelers’ Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and helped lead Pittsburgh to a 34-12 win.

While Bears fans wait to see what officially happens with the Steelers’ QB situation, there is clarity for Chicago’s linebacker corps. T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds and Noah Sewell all are out for Sunday’s game, which will test defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and how he deploys certain personnel packages.

[MORE: Bears injury report: Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards ruled out vs. Steelers]

The Bears are 12-1 all-time against the Steelers at Soldier Field. The last time these teams played in Chicago was in 2017, which ended with a 23-17 Bears win in overtime. Mike Glennon was Chicago’s quarterback.

The Bears will have an opportunity to improve that overall record, and here are the top five players who will have a huge influence on the outcome of the Week 12 game.

Bears QB Caleb Williams

The Bears are hurting defensively, and the Steelers have some dangerous pass rushers on the edge, so Williams will need to have a Superman-like performance from start to finish.

Williams must find a balance with his ability to escape pressure while also not drifting too far in the pocket, which will give Steelers pass rushers such as T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig more opportunities to create sacks. Williams’ cadence must be utilized to help stop that pass rush.

[MORE: Caleb Williams’ pocket presence key in Bears vs. Steelers Week 12 game]

When Bears head coach Ben Johnson schemes players open downfield, Williams must connect. Last week against the Vikings, the Bears’ QB missed his first two explosive passing plays to Rome Odunze and DJ Moore.

If Williams isn’t the best player on the field Sunday, it will be tough for the Bears to secure their eighth win of the season.

Bears safety Jaquan Brisker

The Steelers have some skilled players who are tough to bring down, with running back Jaylen Warren, tight end Darnell Washington and wide receiver DK Metcalf.

Sound tackling will be pivotal in this matchup, and that’s why Brisker is a player to watch. The Bears’ 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety must mitigate receptions in the middle of the field and limit yards after the catch.

With the Bears’ top three linebackers all out Sunday, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Brisker play more in the box to help stop the Steelers’ run game.

Bears TE Cole Kmet

The Bears’ veteran tight end is coming off his most complete game of the season. Kmet caught five passes on five targets for 45 yards, and helped create run lanes for ball carriers.

Kmet could see a productive day as a pass catcher, as the Steelers are allowing 6.09 receptions and 68.73 yards per game (27th-most) to opposing tight ends this season, according to CBS Sports.

There are two obvious areas where Kmet can create an immediate impact: run blocking and chipping against pass rushers.

[MORE: Bears coach Ben Johnson highlights Cole Kmet’s impact vs. Vikings]

The Steelers rank 27th in the NFL with a 0.02 expected points added allowed per rush (EPA/RUSH). There should be opportunities to run against their defense.

Before Kmet goes out to run a route, expect him to help chip the Steelers’ defensive ends to help give Williams time to find targets downfield.

Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig

It’s natural if T.J. Watt is the first person to come to mind when thinking about the Steelers’ pass rush, but Herbig should be the second. He leads Pittsburgh with 6.5 sacks and 35 quarterback pressures, according to Next Gen Stats.

Herbig primarily lines up opposite the left tackle, which means Theo Benedet could have a tough matchup throughout Sunday’s game. Herbig created five total pressures against the Bengals last week and sacked Joe Flacco.

Since Benedet took over the Bears’ left tackle job in Week 6 against the Commanders, the 6-foot-7, 305-pound offensive lineman has been a more consistent run blocker than a pass protector. According to Pro Football Focus, Benedet has given up 22 total pressures and two sacks and committed seven penalties.

Steelers TE Darnell Washington

All you have to do is watch Washington’s performance against the Bengals to understand what the Steelers’ 6-foot-7, 264-pound tight end can do with the football in his hands.

Late in the second quarter in the Steelers’ 34-12 win, Rodgers completed a pass to Washington on a crossing route. Washington stiff-armed rookie linebacker Barrett Carter, ran through another tackle and finished the play with one more stiff arm.

Washington’s ability to break tackles in open space could present problems for a Bears linebacker corps riddled with injuries. In 10 games played, Washington has just 18 receptions for 209 receiving yards and one touchdown, but his four-catch, 67-yard performance in Week 11 was his most productive game of the season.

Expect the Steelers to get Washington and fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth involved in the passing game, especially on shorter routes in the middle of the field and toward the flats. The Bears must tackle consistently when those bigger-bodied pass catchers get the ball in their hands.