Mason Rudolph to begin week as Steelers’ starting quarterback
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For the second week in a row, Mason Rudolph will take the first-team reps at quarterback when the Pittsburgh Steelers begin their practice week.
And, for the second week in a row, the health of Kenny Pickett’s right ankle will play a role in determining whether Rudolph finishes it that way.
Buoyed by Rudolph’s first start in more than two seasons, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the six-year veteran is in line to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, although he once again propped the door open for Pickett’s return to the lineup.
“We’re in the same position as we were last week,” Tomlin said at his weekly news conference. “We’ll give (Pickett) a few reps and see where that leads us. But as I said last week in this setting, Mason Rudolph was scheduled to be the quarterback for the week, and we would see where Kenny is.
“We have the same mentality as we start this week. Obviously, we have a great deal more comfort because of what we’ve seen in stadium from Mason Rudolph. We still are in the same posture. He’s got the ball to start the week, and we’ll see where Kenny is from a mobility standpoint.”
Rudolph fortified his chances of getting another start when he passed for 290 yards and two touchdowns Saturday in the Steelers’ 34-11 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was his first start since the 2021 season.
“I thought he did a really good job of being comfortable being himself, communicating with people, regardless of the moments,” Tomlin said. “I thought that showed the confidence that he has in himself. I also thought that he remained aggressive throughout.”
The 8-7 Steelers travel to Seattle to face the 8-7 Seahawks at Lumen Field. A win would increase the Steelers’ chances of earning one of three wild-card berths in the AFC.
“There are multiple variables in the discussion,” Tomlin said. “Kenny’s relative health is a component of it, as well. We feel better having the tangible evidence of (Rudolph’s) performance than we did a week ago.”
Rudolph led the Steelers to a 24-0 halftime lead and a season high in points. His 124 passer rating was the highest of any Steelers quarterback in a game this season.
Pickett has missed the past three games while recovering from an ankle procedure known as tightrope surgery. He was limited in practice last week, prompting Tomlin to turn to Rudolph instead of inconsistent backup Mitch Trubisky against the Bengals.
Pickett was a limited participant in practice last week and was ruled out from playing two days before the Steelers faced the Bengals. Tomlin wouldn’t speculate on whether Pickett could get the start if he has a good week of practice and is not bothered by the ankle injury.
“I’m not into hypotheticals,” he said. “Mason Rudolph has the ball as we stand here today.”
Tomlin liked the way Rudolph rejuvenated an offense that was averaging 16.5 points entering the game. He also expected Rudolph, because of his veteran status, to remain calm under pressure while the Steelers were trying to snap a three-game losing streak.
“I thought it was a very natural act,” he said. “Confidence in self allows for thoughtfulness regarding others to happen. Oftentimes, leadership is reflected in thoughtfulness in terms of how you interact with others. You better be confident in what you’re doing before that has a chance to reveal itself.
“I know he’s a confident guy.”
Despite his recent lack of game experience, Rudolph displayed pinpoint accuracy on several deep passes. He connected with George Pickens on a 44-yard gain down the sideline in the first half. In the second, he hooked up with Pickens on a 66-yard touchdown with another rainbow that was arced down the sideline.
“(He’s had) inactivity in the stadium, but not inactivity,” Tomlin said. “Performing and performing in stadiums are two different things. It was good to see it show up in the stadium. But I don’t think any of us were shocked by it. We’ve all seen it in stadiums with him before.”