It has been a tough season to be a Pittsburgh Steelers QB. The year started with sophomore Kenny Pickett under center, who, after several injuries culminating in a high ankle sprain that caused him to have surgery and miss multiple weeks, eventually lost his starting duties.
Mitchell Trubisky came in to start Weeks 14 and 15, but after his rough showing, Mason Rudolph closed out the season as the Steelers’ starting quarterback.
Why Is Mason Rudolph Starting for the Steelers?
Hopes were high for second-year QB Kenny Pickett this season, but it never seemed to come together for him.
In Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he threw for two TDs, which was his first game in the NFL with multiple TD passes. The team hoped that Pickett and their running game, led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, coupled with their defense, was would be enough to keep them in games.
They were forced to make a change, with Pickett suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 13. It was up in the air who would take over, but Mitchell Trubisky stepped in once Pickett went down against Arizona, and he was named the starter for the following week.
After two games in which Trubisky failed to hit 200 passing yards, head coach Mike Tomlin decided that the best chance for his team to make it to the playoffs once again was to start Rudolph.
This was the correct decision. With Rudolph opening up the passing game, the Steelers secured a postseason spot to play the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, and the backup-turned-starter has a chance to be a hero.
Prior to the 2023 season, the Steelers offered Rudolph a one-year deal to be the third-string QB behind Pickett and Trubisky. He accepted and worked hard not to let pride get in the way of doing his best job.
“We all have doubts,” Rudolph said. “I think all human beings do at times. And you know, when you don’t get a whole lot of interest through a free agency period, and then you’re sitting at the three spot every single day of training camp through the season. It’s a mental battle.”
Rudolph is excited to give it his all this weekend. “Each game you get to play in the NFL is a freaking playoff game,” Rudolph said. “So, that’s the way I look at it. As a backup quarterback most of my career, you’re very urgent. There’s a sense of urgency whenever you get to play, so that’s the approach.”
Mason Rudolph’s Stats in 2023
Rudolph started in three regular season games in 2023 from Week 16 through Week 18. Overall, he threw for for 719 yards and three TDs. He only had two attempts in Week 15, but he had 20 or more in the following three starts.
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Rudolph threw for 290, 274, and 152 yards in Weeks 16, Week 17, and Week 18, respectively. He has yet to throw an interception this season, and the Steelers hope he can avoid doing so this week against Buffalo.
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