Steelers QB Mason Rudolph Cleared from Concussion Protocol

Alan Saunders |

Updated: Oct 16, 2019

Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph has been cleared by an independent NFL neurologist to fully return to action following the Steelers’ Week 7 bye, a team spokesperson announced on Wednesday.

Rudolph had been in the protocol since being concussed and hospitalized by a helmet-to-helmet hit from Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas on Oct. 6. Thomas was fined $21,000 for the hit and penalized for roughing the passer.

Rudolph seemed to recover quickly, returning to the Steelers’ practice facility the following day. He was a limited participant in all three practices leading up to the Steelers’ Week 6 game against the Chargers and traveled with the team to Los Angeles.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Wednesday that Rudolph was slated to be a full participant in practice, but the team canceled practice due to the weather.

Tomlin also reiterated the Rudolph will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback going forward, with Devlin Hodges returning to backup duty.

The Steelers will return to work on Monday to begin preparations for their Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field on Monday, Oct. 28.