Diontae Johnson: ‘I Want to See’ Mason Rudolph Play

PITTSBURGH — Diontae Johnson has a quarterback who he would like to see play against the Carolina Panthers. With Kenny Pickett still in concussion protocol, Johnson is advocating to see Mason Rudolph take the field in the event that Pickett can not play.

“I want to see him play,” Johnson said. “I know he’s ready to play, and I know it’s probably in the back of his mind to get his chance. I feel like this week is it for him. He’s doing everything to prepare this week and play on Sunday”

Johnson has seen the work that Rudolph is putting in day after day. Rudolph, who is receiving his first true team reps this season in practice, is in what he dubbed a quarterback competition this week with Mitch Trubisky. After Trubisky threw three interceptions against the Baltimore Ravens in the loss, it appears that momentum has shifted towards Rudolph. Johnson is behind Rudolph, too.

“He’s done a great job of staying solid through everything,” Johnson said. “Really, he’s been better every day and I’ve just seen him locked in. He’s getting us all lined up throughout the practice. I like it. That’s my guy still.”

Mason Rudolph said on Wednesday that he loves his teammates. It seems that is a mutual feeling from the quarterback to his teammates. Johnson is openly rooting for him to earn the job. The two have some familiarity with each other as Johnson caught some balls from Rudolph during his rookie campaign. Whether Rudolph starts, however, will depend upon Pickett’s practice availability and Rudolph’s performance in practice.