Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made a telling announcement Monday regarding the status of the team’s quarterback position.
Tomlin told reporters that Kenny Pickett would likely be available this week. In spite of that, the team plans to stick with Mason Rudolph as starter in a must-win game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Mike Tomlin on the QBs: "I think Kenny's availability is less in question this week. That being said, we're going to leave the ball in Mason Rudolph's hands."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) January 1, 2024
“I think Kenny’s availability is less in question this week. That being said, we’re going to leave the ball in Mason Rudolph’s hands,” Tomlin said.
This is a decision the Steelers had to make. Their offense has struggled all season, but has put together back-to-back strong performances with Rudolph at the helm. The Steelers need to win to have any chance of making the playoffs, and this is not the time to move away from something that has been working.
For Tomlin, this is a major pivot, since not that long ago he was dismissive of Rudolph’s chances to play ahead of backup Mitchell Trubisky. Rudolph probably has the job as long as the Steelers are still alive, which may also call into question whether Pickett’s job is secure beyond the current season.
