Despite being able to practice in a limited role on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled quarterback Kenny Pickett out for Saturday's 2023 regular season home finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. That means veteran Mason Rudolph will make his first start since the 2021 season where he led the Steelers to a tie against the winless Detroit Lions. Rudolph was pushed into action after Ben Roethlisberger was ruled out with COVID-19.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers' Kenny Pickett leaves the game due to injury against the Arizona Cardinals.
Rudolph was named the Steelers starting quarterback after he replaced an ineffective Mitch Trubisky during the team's blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts last weekend. Rudolph was 2/3 for 3 yards and was sacked once after relieving Trubisky. Before being pulled, Trubisky failed to get much going for the team's offense. He also turned the ball over twice with interceptions and contributed to a turnover on downs when he failed to connect with a wide-open Pat Freiermuth on fourth down.
Kenny Pickett has been ruled out for Sunday’s game, per Mike Tomlin.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) December 21, 2023
The last time we saw Rudolph in an extended timeframe was during the 2023 preseason. During the preseason, Rudolph was 15/26 for 199 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown came on a long bomb to Calvin Austin III.
Calvin Austin III catches the DOT from Mason Rudolph for the TD! pic.twitter.com/lrWlXxdIPG
— Jack Sperry (@jack_sperry) August 12, 2023
Preseason success has been a continued trend for Rudolph. He's thrown 10 touchdowns while only being intercepted two times during his career, but during the regular season, he's thrown 13 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Earlier this week, Rudolph said he will try to put more points on the board, but he won't be foolish with the ball. That would be a positive considering Trubisky was unable to limit his turnovers.
CBS Sports
Steelers' Mason Rudolph and Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Rudolph was a free agent this past offseason and sat unsigned for two months before coming back to Pittsburgh on a veteran minimum contract. Rudolph claimed that he had other opportunities, but there hasn't exactly been any proof of that beyond from his mouth. Saturday's start could potentially be the last one of his career depending on how it goes. He's likely auditioning himself for one last shot this offseason when he again will be a free agent. A disappointing performance will likely end his time in the NFL.
Are you excited to see Rudolph start on Saturday? Let us know in the comments!
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