The Pittsburgh Steelers faced adversity during their Week 8 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, particularly in the quarterback department. Their starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, suffered a rib injury late in the first half, raising concerns when he may return to the field, especially with a short week ahead. As a result, Pickett's status for the next game remains uncertain, with Head Coach Mike Tomlin labeling it as a game-time decision.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers backup quarterbacks have struggled in 2023 training camp thus far, particularly veteran Mason Rudolph.
Tuesday morning, Pickett declared that he's playing on Thursday against the Tennessee Titans. However, the Steelers have some options if Pickett is unable to play. Mitch Trubisky, the former second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, seems poised to step in as the starter in Pickett's absence. Yet, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has raised an intriguing suggestion – the idea that Mason Rudolph should be given another opportunity to start.
"I think he [Mason] deserves another chance. I think we need to see what he’s able to do."
Rudolph, who last played for the Steelers in 2021, brings a track record of 17 NFL games in his tenure with the team. During this time, he posted a 61.5% completion rate, accumulated 2,366 passing yards, and maintained a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 16/11, not great. The question now looms: should the Steelers entrust Rudolph with the starting role once more, or should they stick with Trubisky as their quarterback of choice if Pickett can't go?
Kenny Pickett's Injury Woes
The Steelers' quarterback dilemma began when Pickett suffered a rib injury during the first half of the game against the Jaguars in Week 8. The timing couldn't have been worse, with a short week ahead and Derrick Henry waiting in the wind, intensifying concerns about the team's offensive capabilities in the upcoming matchup. Tomlin has indicated that Pickett's status for the next game remains uncertain and will be determined just before the game.
Pickett, who had been serving as the team's starting quarterback, played a crucial role in the Steelers' offensive strategies, or lack thereof. His injury has left a void at the quarterback position, leading to discussions about who should fill this crucial role in the upcoming game.
Steelers Immediate Replacement
In the event that Pickett is unable to play due to his rib injury, the Steelers coaching staff appears to be content with Trubisky. Trubisky's experience in the league and his familiarity with the team's offensive system make him a logical choice for this role. He has tremendous arm talent, but has shown on several occasions he doesn’t take care of the football.
Trubisky's potential as a starting quarterback in the NFL has been a topic of debate and speculation throughout his career. While he has shown promise at times, inconsistency and questions about his ability to lead an offense have also surfaced. This situation sets the stage for a critical decision regarding the Steelers' quarterback for the upcoming game.
Ron Schwane | AP
Myles Garret and Mason Rudolph fighting during the Steelers vs Browns game.
Mason Rudolph: A Worthy Contender?
Amid discussions about the immediate replacement for Pickett, Kaboly has advocated for Rudolph to receive another opportunity to start. Kaboly's endorsement suggests that Rudolph may possess the qualities and potential necessary to lead the Steelers' offense effectively.
Rudolph, like Trubisky, has shown that he can also get out of the pocket and use his legs when needed. The debate between these two almost feels like they are both the exact same type of quarterback. Both love to throw the deep ball and both struggle to complete it effectively. The argument of who should start seems futile.
However, the question remains whether Rudolph's past performances and skills are sufficient to warrant another opportunity as the starting quarterback for the Steelers.
The Ongoing Debate: Rudolph or Trubisky?
The discussion surrounding the Steelers' quarterback decision is multifaceted. On one hand, Trubisky offers immediate experience and knowledge of the team's offensive system, which can be invaluable in a short week of preparation. Trubisky has shown potential in the NFL, but you sort of know what you are going to get with him. A guy who doesn’t throw educated passes and is very high risk.
On the other hand, Rudolph brings familiarity with the Steelers' organization and a track record that includes solid performances as a starting quarterback. Rudolph's career record as a Steeler is 9-7-1.We can't forget the fact that he hasn't played a snap since December 26th, 2021, making this an even more challenging situation for him.
Ultimately, the decision will rest with Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff, who must consider the team's immediate needs and the long-term implications of their choice. The playoff push has to start right here, right now and the Steelers can’t afford a no show at home Thursday night against the Titans. The Steelers find themselves at a crossroads as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding Pickett's rib injury. The immediate replacement at the quarterback position will play a pivotal role in the team's performance in the upcoming game and the status of this season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky began the 2022 campaign as the team's starter, but he will now be the primary backup for Kenny Pickett entering 2023.
While Trubisky is the logical choice due to his recent familiarity with the team and experience in the NFL, the endorsement of Rudolph by Kaboly adds an intriguing dimension to the discussion. Rudolph's past performances and stats present a mediocre case for his selection as the starting quarterback. No matter who is starting, the Steelers offense needs to move the chains and score more than 10 points at home.
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