QB Change: Steelers Bench Mitch Trubisky for Mason Rudolph

INDIANAPOLIS — The Steelers are benching Mitch Trubisky for quarterback Mason Rudolph. After extensive struggles from Trubisky, including two interceptions and just one touchdown, he has been benched for Rudolph. Rudolph prepared for this during the week with more urgency, knowing that he was just one snap away from playing, and he got his opportunity late with the Steelers trailing 27-13.

Rudolph hasn’t played in a game since the 2021 season when he started in place of Ben Roethlisberger, who was out with COVID-19 against the Detroit Lions. Rudolph finished that game 30 of 50 for 242 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also appeared in one garbage time appearance that season. But Rudolph, once the villainized player in the fandom, has been on both sides of these chants at the their game against the Patriots.

“I’ve been on both sides of that, so, I know it’s cliche, but really all I was trying to do was look at the iPads and help the collective offense,” Rudolph said. “I wanted to help them get ready for the next drive. You really can’t get caught up in that because then you lose focus and it affects your mental state. Obviously, it’s nice to be liked, but we have passionate fans, but you can’t let that enter your mind for a second.”

The Steelers’ third-round pick out of Oklahoma State in 2018, Rudolph has played in 17 games and made 10 starts, with a career completion percentage of 61.5% and an 80.9 passer rating. Rudolph is a different player than Trubisky if they decided to change quarterbacks.