Patriots Accuse Steelers of Using Smelling Salts to Mask Rodgers’ Concussion Symptoms

Foxborough, MA — September 19, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 21-14 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 3 has been eclipsed by a brewing controversy, as Patriots officials accused Pittsburgh of providing smelling salts to quarterback Aaron Rodgers to conceal potential concussion symptoms. The allegations, backed by a viral sideline video, have sparked heated debate about player safety and game integrity.

The video shows Rodgers, Pittsburgh’s $20 million-a-year star, opening a small vial and inhaling sharply before a crucial third-down play. Patriots officials claim the Steelers supplied the salts to mask lingering effects from a head impact earlier in the game, violating NFL rules. “The rule is explicit—no team can provide smelling salts to players,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said postgame. “When it involves possible concussion symptoms, it’s a grave concern. We cannot compromise player safety or the game’s fairness.”

Rodgers, 41, has a documented history of head injuries, including a Grade 1 concussion in 2010 with the Green Bay Packers and concussion concerns in 2018 with no formal diagnosis. While no concussion has been reported since he joined the Steelers, his history raises fears about long-term risks like CTE. The NFL has not issued a statement, but if substantiated, the Steelers could face hefty fines and staff discipline, though the game’s outcome would stand.

Rodgers sidestepped the accusations: “My job is to compete and win for Pittsburgh. That’s all I’m focused on.” The Steelers (2-1) leaned on their defense, which forced five turnovers (four fumbles, one interception), to secure their first Foxborough win since 2008. Rodgers threw for 139 yards and two touchdowns, reaching 510 career touchdown passes, but the offense struggled with a weak run game (Jaylen Warren, 2.6 yards per carry).

The Patriots (1-2), reeling from the loss and prior officiating controversies, face mounting pressure. As the NFL reviews the allegations, this case—potentially the first under the league’s 2025 smelling salts ban—raises serious questions about how far teams will go for victory. With Pittsburgh preparing for the Minnesota Vikings and New England facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4, the fallout from this controversy could loom large.