Steelers' Mason Rudolph Immediately Shut Down As A Starter In The NFL As Quarterback Questions Rise In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers destroyed the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday as they were able to get the win by a score of 34-12. The defense looked a million times better against Cincy this time around as the group forced two turnovers and found the end zone twice defensively as well. The unit's performance was certainly needed due to how potent Cincinnati's offense can be, as well as the fact that Pittsburgh was without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the entire second half after he injured his non-dominant wrist. The quarterback tried to play in the second half, but the team would not let him.

Rodgers went down and many within the fan base immediately began to panic a bit, but Mason Rudolph filled in quite nicely for the four-time league MVP. Rudolph's numbers in the second half were actually better, and he ran the offense efficiently as the group scored on each of the possessions he was on the field. As always, Rudolph playing well sparked a debate amongst the fan base as he has this weird sect of fans enamored with him eventually becoming a starter. Team writer Bob Labriola hosted an Asked And Answered segment on the Steelers' website on Tuesday, and he was asked why Rudolph doesn't get a shot as a starter.

"My only point about Mason Rudolph is that NFL teams do not perceive him as a full-time starter, because the times he was an unrestricted free agent when any team could have signed him to be its starting quarterback, none did," Labriola said. "That doesn't mean Rudolph doesn't belong in the NFL or that he isn't an asset to a team's roster, but not every quarterback in the league is perceived by teams in the league as someone capable of being a full-time starter."

There are fans in Pittsburgh that want to see Rudolph start over Rodgers. Rodgers was having a rough stretch of games before he got hurt, but the organization was never going to bench one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the league. Head Coach Mike Tomlin would not do that as he and the quarterback seem to have a fantastic relationship.

This isn't the first time that Rudolph has played well in relief of a starter. The same thing happened towards the end of the 2023 season when Rudolph became the starter after Mitch Trubisky was benched, while Kenny Pickett dealt with an ankle injury. Rudolph led Pittsburgh on a winning streak to finish the regular season, and he wound up starting a playoff game for Pittsburgh that same season.

That run at the end of the 2023 season led to Rudolph having his best market ever. He wound up signing with the Tennessee Titans, and he started a decent amount of games for them in 2024. He did not really play well, but it was his first legitimate chance to become a starter in the NFL. Other times when Rudolph was on the open market, he did not see much attention from other teams, which usually leads him back to Pittsburgh.

By this point in his career, it is abundantly clear that Rudolph is a career backup. That's completely fine. He can come in and start a couple of games when needed, but no teams want him seemingly being their starting quarterback to open up seasons.

Steelers' Perception Of Mason Rudolph Could Catapult Will Howard

If the Steelers do not view Rudolph as a starting quarterback, maybe that could catapult a player like Will Howard going into 2026. Assuming it is those two quarterbacks fighting for the starting job, Howard could be given the leg up as the organization already knows exactly who Rudolph is as a player. There is more unknown with Howard, who could wind up being a decent player at the NFL level.

What do you think of Labriola's comments on Rudolph? Let us know in the comments below!

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