Mike Tomlin Won’t Commit to Another Start for Mason Rudolph: ‘We’ll Talk about That Next Week’

Alan Saunders |

Dec 31, 2023

Steelers QB Mason Rudolph — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) celebrates with running back Jaylen Warren (30) and wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) after Warren scored a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

SEATTLE — Mason Rudolph has led the Pittsburgh Steelers to two consecutive victories as the team’s starting quarterback, but head coach Mike Tomlin would not commit to giving him a third start in the immediate aftermath of the team’s 30-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Against Seattle, Rudolph was not as impressive as he was in the team’s Week 16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, with the team’s running game doing most of the heavy lifting, but Rudolph again posted a passer rating over 100 and didn’t turn the ball over.

Still, Tomlin wouldn’t commit to him starting in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens.

“We’ll talk about that next week,” Tomlin said. “Right now, we’re just appreciative of the victory. We’ll give you guys something to buzz about for the next 24 or so.”

Tomlin was also un-forthcoming with his praise for Rudolph’s play against the Seahawks.

“I thought he did a nice job,” he said.

Rudolph threw 24 times in Seattle, completing 18 for 274 yards. Against Cincinnati the week before, he completed 17 of 27 for 290 yards and two touchdowns. He has not thrown an interception yet this season.

Rudolph started the season as the Steelers’ third-string quarterback. After an injury to starter Kenny Pickett on Dec. 2, Mitch Trubisky took the reins. Trubisky lost that game in relief and two more as the starter, before he was benched in favor of Rudolph.

Trubisky was dressed as the only backup for the game. Pickett was made inactive for the second straight week. He had been listed as questionable for the game on the team’s injury report, but it’s not clear if he was scratched for injury or other reasons.

The Steelers don’t yet have a schedule for their Week 18 game, as the NFL has flexed the entire slate on the last week of the regular season. They could play either Saturday, Jan. 6 or Sunday, Jan. 7 in Baltimore.

Tomlin was similarly coy with who would start this week, not announcing Rudolph as the starter until after practice on Friday.

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