Steelers' Skylar Thompson Seriously Makes Case To Jump QB Mason Rudolph On Depth Chart

The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their preseason on Thursday night with a road matchup against the Carolina Panthers. With roster spots hanging in the balance and the final 53-man roster set to be revealed soon, fans were locked in on how the depth chart might shake out. The game started out very ugly for the Steelers' offense. The unit struggled to avoid getting hit with drive killing flags.

Quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson split time in the first half, offering very different performances. Rudolph struggled to find any rhythm, while Thompson brought some much-needed energy and flashed playmaking ability. 

The offense stalled under Rudolph’s command, capped off by one of the ugliest interceptions of his career. He finished the night completing 6 of 8 passes for just 36 yards and that costly turnover. Thompson, however, made the most of his total opportunities going 11/13, 152 passing yards and a touchdown, injecting life into an otherwise quiet Steelers offense.

The Steelers went into halftime tied 10-10 with the Panthers, as both Rudolph and Thompson received comparable opportunities under center. Preseason games can be difficult to evaluate, but Thompson undoubtedly made the most of his snaps and strengthened his case to be the team’s No. 2 quarterback. Thompson did continue to play a little into the second half as well.

For much of the offseason, Rudolph was widely viewed as the clear favorite for the backup role. Yet with Aaron Rodgers entering his age-41 season and coming off an Achilles injury in the 2023 season, having a reliable second option behind him is critical. 

What once felt like Rudolph’s job to lose may no longer be so certain. After Thompson’s impressive showing in the preseason finale, the question now is whether he did enough to leapfrog Rudolph on the depth chart.

Steelers' Skylar Thompson Thriving With Opportunity

When Thompson first arrived in Pittsburgh, few expected him to make much noise. In fact, he was widely viewed as the odd man out in the quarterback room and the least likely to crack the 53-man roster. Though some opportunities broke his way, Thompson started thriving with them. It’s only the preseason, but when that’s all the reps you have to evaluate, you make the most of it.

However, after what he’s put on tape this preseason, the conversation may be shifting. Rookie Will Howard initially jumped Thompson on the depth chart, but an untimely injury sidelined him for the preseason and opened the door for Thompson to seize the opportunity. He’s done exactly that, making the most of every rep and showcasing poise when given the chance.

Now the real question is how Thursday’s contrasting performances will impact the depth chart. Did Thompson do enough to climb past Rudolph, or will the Steelers stick with experience over momentum? Either way, his preseason showing has given Pittsburgh something to think about. It still remains strange to think about a debate between Thompson and Rudolph. However, in the NFL, anything can happen. 

Now Steelers fans will turn their focus on the depth chart. They also will be hopeful to get some positive news on rookie Derrick Harmon. He left the game with an injury in the second quarter.

Do you believe that Thompson did enough in the preseason to move past Rudolph on the Steelers' QB depth chart? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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