Could Steelers’ plans at quarterback change ahead of Week 16 game?
from Aaron Becker, with YardBarker.com/www.yardbarker.com
Head coach Mike Tomlin named QB Mason Rudolph the starter for the Steelers’ (7-7) Week 16 matchup against the Bengals (8-6). However, there is a chance neither Rudolph nor Mitchell Trubisky, who was benched in the fourth quarter of last week’s loss, will play.
“I just had a conversation with Kenny [Pickett]. He had a really good rehab today. His availability is not out of question this week,” Tomlin told reporters. “We’ll leave the door ajar and see how Kenny responds to the work that he did today, the limited work that we’re probably going to give him tomorrow.”
If Pickett, who is recovering from ankle surgery, is healthy enough to go come Saturday, it would certainly be the best-case scenario.
Trubisky was paid to be a capable backup that could come in and win games when needed but is 0-5 in games played this season. Rudolph has also underwhelmed with just 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2018.
However, after watching Trubisky struggle as of late, it makes sense Pittsburgh wants give Rudolph, who is 5-4-1 as a starter, a shot if Pickett is unavailable.
“At the front part of the week our attention and emphasis will be on Mason Rudolph,” Tomlin said. “We have a great deal of comfort with him.”
Rudolph’s main task is to simply score more points. On the Steelers’ three-game losing streak, the offense has not done its part to win games, averaging just 13.7 points per game. Tomlin says that must change.
“We’re not scoring enough points,” Tomlin added. “The guy in that position is at the controls and does have a big say in how some things unfold.”
Those in Pittsburgh will be keeping their eyes on the injury report all week in hopes their 2022 first-round pick can come back and maybe save the Steelers’ season. But if not, Rudolph will be given the reins at the most crucial point of the year.