INDIANAPOLIS — Mason Rudolph wants his shot. The Steelers’ quarterback, who ended up being the team’s starter by the end of the game, does not know if he will start next week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Neither do Mike Tomlin or Mitch Trubisky, but Rudolph wants his shot to go out there and show what he can do.
“I would love to play for this team,” Rudolph said.
The Steelers went to Mason Rudolph on their last drive, and while it did not prove to be very fruitful, he potentially earned his spot for next week. If needed, Rudolph believes he can be sharp and ready to play against the Bengals in a pinch if Trubisky is not named the starter.
Everything if, if that, if that happens, if you think so, I’m confident in the way I stayed sharp all season and, you know, this isn’t my rookie year,” Rudolph said. “The staff always puts a good plan together. If I get the nod, I’ll be ready to roll.”
Rudolph hadn’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. Fans chanted for him against the Partiors to play. But Rudolph, once the villainized player in the fandom, has been on both sides of these chants at 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.