The Pittsburgh Steelers will start Mason Rudolph against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday if first-choice quarterback Kenny Pickett is unable to return from his ankle injury for Week 16.
The Steelers have lost back-to-back games against the New England Patriots (21-18) and Indianapolis Colts (30-13) since Pickett suffered a high ankle sprain in the second quarter of their Week 13 clash with the Arizona Cardinals, which ended in a 24-10 defeat.
Stand-in QB Mitch Trubisky has struggled in Pittsburgh’s last two games and was replaced late on by Rudolph – who they drafted in the third round back in 2018 – against the Colts last time out.
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Pickett had been tipped to return on Saturday as the Steelers look to revive their ailing playoff hopes, but Rudolph is being prepared to start if that is not possible.
On Monday, head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Pickett would take part in limited practice this week but said: “Mason Rudolph is the guy with the ball.”
The Steelers currently sit outside the playoff picture in the AFC with a 7-7 record, and they will finish their regular season with road games against the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens after hosting the Bengals.
Coach Tomlin on the quarterback position: pic.twitter.com/OXiQR5Ej0y
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 18, 2023
