With rookie Kenny Pickett still in concussion protocol, there’s a chance that it could be Mitch Trubisky under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers.
However, there’s one Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver in particular who would like to see third-stringer Mason Rudolph get his shot under center.
While speaking with the media, Diontae Johnson openly campaigned for Rudolph to get the shot to start this Sunday.
“Yeah, I want to see him play,” Johnson told reporters when asked about Rudolph possibly getting the nod from coach Mike Tomlin. “I feel like this week is it for him. I know he’s going to do everything he can to prepare this week.”
Trubisky was the one who came in to relieve Pickett last week after the 2022 first-round pick sustained a concussion during the Steelers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
While Trubisky did manage to throw for 276 yards and a touchdown, he also tossed a whopping three interceptions. Reports indicate that he and Rudolph split reps during the team’s practice on Wednesday, while Pickett was named as a limited participant.
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Last Chance For Mason Rudolph?
If Rudolph were to start this weekend, it would be his first regular season action since week 16 of the 2021 season, when he came on in place of Ben Roethlisberger during a 36-10 blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. His last start came earlier that year, when he led the Steelers to a 16-16 tie against the Detroit Lions in week 10.
After signing a one-year extension, Rudolph is set to become a free agent this offseason. He shouldn’t have trouble landing a backup gig somewhere, but it’s quite clear that this could be one of his final opportunities to start an NFL game.
