Hot hand: Steelers to start QB Mason Rudolph at Seattle

Field Level Media|published: Tue 26th December, 12:33 2023

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Mason Rudolph will be the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback on Sunday at Seattle, coach Mike Tomlin confirmed on Tuesday.

Rudolph passed for 290 yards and two scores in Saturday's 34-11 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals to keep playoff hopes alive for the Steelers (8-7).

It was the first start since 2021 for Rudolph, who completed 17 of 27 passes and was only sacked once in Pittsburgh's final home game of the season.

Rudolph, 28, replaced Mitchell Trubisky, who was benched by Tomlin after losing two starts following the Week 13 ankle injury to starter Kenny Pickett.

Pickett practiced last week on a limited basis and NFL Network reported Tuesday that he would return against the Seahawks.

If Pickett is active, it appears that it will be in a backup role behind Rudolph based on Tomlin's announcement on Tuesday.

The Steelers are one of four 8-7 teams in the AFC. After visiting the Seahawks (8-7), Pittsburgh finishes the regular season at AFC-leading Baltimore (12-3) on Jan. 7.

—Field Level Media