The Pittsburgh Steelers are working on the offense with significant steps taken to prepare for the 2023 season. The team has taken great leaps in the trenches, with two top-100 picks being used to protect. Their first-round selection brought in Broderick Jones and the third-round selection was another Georgia Bulldog, Darnell Washington. Both players will help keep sophomore starting quarterback Kenny Pickett healthy for the season.
Mitch Trubisky re-signed to a three-year deal with the team as the long-term backup, making him the quarterback two for the team. The Steelers have also figured out the emergency quarterback as well, with Mason Rudolph returning as the emergency quarterback who can now dress on the sidelines with the team. TribLIVE caught up with Rudolph about his determination.
JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELER NATION (TWITTER JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (#2) preparing to make a throw during the 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA
Is Rudolph Excited To Be Back?
Rudolph spoke about the new upcoming season and a change in the locker room. Rudolph’s locker, the one he had used every year since being drafted by the Steelers in 2018, was moved to another location. Instead of dressing in his customary stall situated among the offensive linemen, Rudolph’s locker was moved to an adjacent wall, closer to fellow quarterback Mitch Trubisky and several wide receivers. Rudolph only had three words to say on the move.
"New real estate."
Tony Avelar/Associated Press
Mason Rudolph almost pulled out a win in his first-ever start against the San Francisco 49ers in 2019.
Did The Steelers Make The Right Choice?
Rudolph has no stats posted for the 2022 season, as Pickett and Trubisky were the only two quarterbacks that played in the black and gold in 2022. His best statistical season comes in 2019 with 1,765 yards thrown along with 13 touchdowns. Rudolph never had the chance to be a full-time starter, always playing behind team legend Ben Roethlisberger.
After his retirement, the team drafted Pickett in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and signed Trubisky in the same offseason, putting an end to Rudolph's chances of being the starter. Rudolph knows the team and the organization well.
“I’m fired up to be back, it’s a great group of guys. I had some opportunities but felt like I didn’t want to let things drag out until training camp when I knew I was wanted here. I’m happy to be back in the 412," Rudolph said.
Credit: Getty Images
Where Are The Steelers' Quarterbacks Headed In 2023?
Pickett is primed to make a great jump from his first season to his second, with the addition of offensive line help and the re-signing of his backups. Stability is important for young NFL players, and the Steelers do a great job of that from ownership to the janitors - being a model of consistency. This consistency along with a deadly wide receiver group led by Diontae Johnson and George Pickens will fire things up for the season.
Matt Canada should look to opening the offense up to Pickett more, and his friends and veteran quarterbacks behind him should be a great resource for him.
“We’re excited to have him back, we’ve got a good quarterback room. We’ve got chemistry. We have a good time together, but we work hard, too. We love having everyone back," Trubisky said.
What do you think Steelers fans? Do you like Mason Rudolph rejoining the team for 2023? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.
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