As Pittsburgh Steelers' backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky struggled in the first half against the New England Patriots while making his first start in 2023 in place of an injured Kenny Pickett, some fans in the stands decided that they'd seen enough from the number two overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Chants for third-stringer Mason Rudolph rang through Acrisure Stadium as Trubisky struggled to find his game, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin praised his ability to stick with it and improve as the contest went on. It would've been hard for him to be worse after throwing one interception and getting saved by a pass interference penalty that negated the other one. Rudolph said he heard the chants for him to enter the game.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph makes a throw during organized team activities in the spring of 2022.
Rudolph has had an interesting tenure in Pittsburgh since being drafted by the club in 2017. He has played in 17 games and has a career record of 5-4-1 as a starter, with eight of the starts coming in the 2019 season when Ben Roethlisberger was lost with a season-ending elbow injury. Rudolph hasn't started since 2021 when he replaced Roethlisberger and tied against the Detroit Lions. His last snaps came against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 in 2021 when the game was already lost for Pittsburgh. Rudolph spoke to the media on Tuesday and acknowledged he could hear the Pittsburgh faithful calling for him to play in Trubisky's place.
"It's nice to be liked," Rudolph said via video from 93.7 The Fan. "We have passionate fans, but you can't let that enter your mind for a second."
Rudolph said he's been on both sides of chants from the crowd in the past, but tried to keep his focus squarely on the task at hand. On Thursday night, that was trying to help the team overcome a deficit and beat the Patriots.
"It's cliché, but all I was trying to do was look at the iPads and help the collective offense make corrections and get ready for the next drive. You can't let yourself get caught up in that because you lose focus and it affects your mental state," Rudolph explained.
Steelers fans have become well known for their chants in 2023 with regards to firing former Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada. In 2022, Trubisky heard the chants for Pickett when his play wasn't inspiring much confidence. If Trubisky continues to turn the ball over while Pickett is hurt, maybe those chanting will get what they want.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was backed up by Mason Rudolph when injured in 2019.
Roethlisberger isn't sure what reason the Steelers have for not wanting to put the ball in Rudolph's hands, but told the Randy Baumann Morning Show that the fact he's been there for so long now and never really got a shot means there has got to be something going on.
Steelers' Rudolph Feels Thankful For His Position
In the leadup to the 2023 offseason, it seemed like Rudolph's time in Pittsburgh was coming to a close. The Athletic's Mark Kaboly reported in February of 2023 that the quarterback was done with the Steelers organization and was hoping to find a new place to play whether as a backup or push for a starter's job. That never materialized and he returned to Pittsburgh to assume the mantle of third quarterback behind Pickett and Trubisky.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky wait for a drill to start during a practice in the summer of 2022.
While the third-string quarterback might not be the most glamourous job in the world, they often weren't active on gameday before the NFL changed that policy. Rudolph is thankful for where he is at. In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), by Chris Adamski of TribLive.com, the 28-year-old shared his perspective on his position.
"I'm a backup quarterback right now in the NFL," he said. "I'm very thankful. You think about how much work it takes for all these guys in this locker room to get to this level and I'm going to stay sharp all week if and when my number is called."
Tomlin shot down any notion of Rudolph playing against New England when Trubisky began the game faltering. If he struggles against the Indianapolis Colts, maybe Rudolph will get the first chance to show his stuff since 2021.
Were you one of those calling from the stands or your couch for Rudolph? Do you think he deserves a shot if Trubisky struggles again? Comment below!
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