Steelers QB3 Mason Rudolph tabbed to start in Week 16

Field Level Media|published: Mon 18th December, 12:43 2023

Aug 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) passes the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. credits: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The quarterback carousel in Pittsburgh will feature Mason Rudolph in Week 16.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that Rudolph will start Saturday's home game against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals in a pivotal game for both teams. Mitch Trubisky has been benched.

The Steelers are hoping Rudolph can bring some stable QB play while starter Kenny Pickett continues to rehab from ankle surgery earlier this month.

The Steelers (7-7) have lost three in a row and four of five, and are on the outside looking in for the AFC playoff picture as the 10th seed. The Bengals (8-6) have won three in a row on the shoulders of backup QB Jake Browning. They are currently the sixth seed in the AFC.

Pickett reportedly is pushing to play this week but it's more likely he'll return in Week 17.

Rudolph came in for the benched Trubisky to finish off Saturday's 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Tomlin yanked Trubisky after throwing two interceptions.

Rudolph, 28, started eight games in 2019 and is 5-4-1 overall as the starter for the Steelers. He has thrown for 2,369 yards and 16 TDs against 11 interceptions in 18 career games, all in Pittsburgh.

Trubisky is 0-2 as the starter this season, having thrown for 632 yards and four TDs and five picks.

—Field Level Media