Seeing Mason Rudolph trending on Twitter tells Pittsburgh Steelers fans there is bad news out of Pittsburgh. In this case, the starting Quarterback Kenny Pickett is injured and the backup Quarterback Mitch Trubisky keeps throwing the ball to the other team. Is it possible that third-string QB Rudolph could be the hero needed to save this season?
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up under center in the first half during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The Steelers' first-round draft pick, Pickett, exited the game at the end of the first quarter and was unable to return after entering the concussion protocol. Trubisky was immediately brought in to relieve Pickett and it looked like it was off to a smooth start as he lead the offense down the field, until he threw an interception. While he was able to score two touchdowns he repeated the interception process of solid drive ending in a take way, two more times.
Now the organization is left wondering who will carry the quarterback duties until Pickett returns - if Pickett returns. With the Steelers' playoff potential in serious jeopardy, there is talk that they might sit him for the rest of the season, after all, why chance his health?
Steelers Rudolph Ready to Shine?
Kenny Pickett, who’s in the concussion protocol for the second time in eight weeks, came into the locker room during the open media portion today.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 12, 2022
Mason Rudolph, who hasn’t been active this season, spoke earlier and said he’d be ready and able shake off the rust if necessary.
With Trubisky throwing three interceptions, do the Steelers want to try to hand him the ball again? It seems possible that he will be benched in favor of Rudolph. When asked today about potentially playing this weekend, Rudolph responded.
“That will be something we’ll talk about today and tomorrow and I’m waiting to hear about my involvement or level of involvement this week,” Rudolph said Monday. “But I’m ready to rock, if needed.”
Rudolph can relate, when he went in for an injured Ben Roethlisberger, three years ago he was also hit by a Ravens player. This one was Earl Thomas and it left him concussed. He had to sit the next week and watch third-string QB Devlin Hodges play for him.
Rudolph spoke about how he felt when he first returned, being doubted by others and struggling with his own doubt.
“I think Kenny came back well from the first one (against Tampa Bay),” Rudolph said. “I remember from my time, that first practice back, (you wonder), am I cognitively there? You sometimes second-guess yourself. With enough practices, you get back in the flow.”
Rudolph has not had as many first-team reps as the other two quarterbacks. However, he says he has worked hard to stay sharp.
“I’ve tried to stay consistent all year whether that’s with the film aspect or just prepping, doing what I can to help the other guys,” he said. “It’s finding time to get a throw here or there during special teams (periods) and (individual portions). I put more pressure on myself to be perfect in individual in the short periods that I do have.”
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 25: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) looks on during the preseason NFL game between the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers on August 25, 2018, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Rudolph expressed that he would love to have the opportunity to play for the first time this season.
“I’m a competitor, so of course I want to play,” he said. “Every week, each day, I want to play, I want to practice. I take advantage of the reps I do get. Of course, any competitor wants to be out there for his team, winning and putting his hand in the pile.”
Only time will tell how the week will progress. But with the new, more careful approach to concussions, it seems unlikely the team will start Pickett. There is still the slightest mathematical possibility that the Steelers can make the playoffs. Is Rudolph the best QB to help make that happen? Who would you rather see start, Trubisky or Rudolph? Why? Comment below!
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