Time will tell if Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett will be able to clear the concussion protocol in time to play in Sunday's Week 15 contest against the Carolina Panthers. After he left last week's game versus the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion, backup Mitchell Trubisky replaced him and went on to throw three interceptions, all which were caught within Baltimore's own 20-yard line. If Pickett can't go, it's not a surefire thing that his backup for the majority of the season will get the start. Mason Rudolph may have an opportunity to showcase his talents as he plans to enter free agency in 2023.
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)
Following practice on Wednesday, it came out that both Rudolph and Trubisky split the reps as Pickett has not yet been cleared from concussion protocol. He still has time to get the okay, but we could be looking at a mini-quarterback battle in Pittsburgh this week.
Mason Rudolph said he and Mitch Trubisky split first team reps during team drills today.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 14, 2022
While the status of Pickett is unknown, it has to be interpreted that the coaching staff has no clue who will be QB1 come Sunday. With playoff hopes pretty much gone, it might be an opportunity to analyze the idea of potentially trading Trubisky in the off-season and signing Rudolph to be Pickett's backup in the future.
Multiple outlets confirmed that while Pickett remains in the NFL's protocol, he was on the field practicing today on the side as his two backups dueled it out. It will apparently be a day by day process and just as any competitor would say, Rudolph wants a chance to get the start.
"I know I would like an opportunity. I look forward to it if I get it. I'm not going to speculate," Rudolph said.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks participate in Organized Team Activities (OTA's) Thursday May 26, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Speaking with the media after practice, Ben Roethlisberger's former backup also said that no one knows who will be leading the offense on Sunday and that he wants to be ready to go in case his number is called.
"I just hear that the decision has not been made so I need to prepare like I'm going to be the guy," Rudolph said.
Rudolph has been extremely humble throughout the season and while Pittsburgh didn't trade him to give him a chance to play elsewhere, he said on Wednesday that he still loves being a part of the process and the team each and every week.
"I love this team and I love my teammates and I'm gonna be there for them prepping in the third-string role as best as I can and enjoy going to work with everybody."
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky enjoys a moment during practice in preparation to face the New York Jets this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Photo Credit - (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pickett is going to get the start if he is cleared by Saturday, but getting an opportunity could be the reason Rudolph is given a legitimate chance to start or be the solidified #2 guy elsewhere, or maybe even in Pittsburgh next year. This wouldn't be a conversation if Trubisky had performed on Sunday when given the chance, but now it is looking more and more likely that head hoach, Mike Tomlin, is pondering the idea of throwing out the guy who has been inactive all season if his starter can't go.
Who do you think should get the start for the Steelers on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
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