The Steelers re-signed Rudolph to a one-year contract Monday, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: A 2018 third-round pick, Rudolph heads back to Pittsburgh after making 10 starts in four years with the team. He sports a career 61.5 percent completion rate with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rudolph will try to push Mitch Trubisky for backup duties behind Kenny Pickett.
May 15, 2023 7:19 PM EST
Rudolph is visiting the Steelers on Tuesday and could be re-signed, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The Steelers selected Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 Draft, and he appeared in 17 games over his first three seasons, completing 61.5 percent of his passes for 2,366 yards and a 16:11 TD:INT. The 27-year-old spent the 2022 campaign as Pittsburgh's No. 3 QB and dressed for one game but didn't record any snaps. If he re-signs, Rudolph figures to compete with undrafted rookie Tanner Morgan for a similar role behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky.
May 15, 2023 3:17 PM EST
Rudolph is slated to back up Mitch Trubisky in Sunday's game against the Panthers, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Trubisky will get the starting nod for the Steelers on Sunday, with Kenny Pickett still in the concussion protocol. As a result, Rudolph will be active (as the team's No. 2 QB) for the first time this season.
Dec 17, 2022 10:15 AM EST
With Kenny Pickett (listed as doubtful) still in the NFL's concussion protocol, Mitch Trubisky is expected to start Sunday's game against the Panthers rather than Rudolph, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Rudolph and Trubisky split practice reps this past week, but it looks as though Trubisky will get the starting nod Sunday. Assuming Pickett is inactive versus Carolina, Rudolph would be in line to suit up as Pittsburgh's No. 2 QB in Week 15.
Dec 17, 2022 9:31 AM EST
Coach Mike Tomlin said Friday that he won't make a decision on the Steelers' starting quarterback between Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky for Sunday's game in Carolina until Saturday with Kenny Pickett (concussion) doubtful to play, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Pickett entered the concussion protocol during last Sunday's 16-14 loss to the Ravens and hasn't logged more than a limited practice this week. With the rookie signal-caller likely to be inactive this weekend, Rudolph is poised to be active himself for the first time this season. Rudolph and Trubisky split first-team reps Wednesday through Friday, so Tomlin has all the intel he needs to make a call between the two. If Rudolph ends up being the starter Sunday, he'll bring career marks of 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 6.2 yards per attempt in 17 appearances (10 starts) since he was drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2017 draft.
Dec 16, 2022 2:21 PM EST
Rudolph (coach's decision) will be inactive for Sunday's season-opening matchup against the Bengals, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: After initially being labeled as the No. 2 quarterback on the Week 1 depth chart, Rudolph has since been moved to the third spot behind expected starter Mitch Trubisky and rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he doesn't anticipate dressing three quarterbacks Sunday, leaving Rudolph as the odd man out. Barring injuries, Rudolph figures to be a regular on the inactive list.
Sep 6, 2022 9:34 AM EST
Rudolph is listed as the Steelers' No. 3 quarterback on the team's most recent Week 1 depth chart released Tuesday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: The Steelers featured Rudolph as their No. 2 quarterback on the first Week 1 depth chart that was released Monday, but Mike Garafolo of NFL Network suggests that the listing was an error. Considering Rudolph was the third quarterback to enter the Steelers' Aug. 20 preseason finale and played the entire second half of the contest, he had been expected to enter the regular season behind both Mitch Trubisky and rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett on the depth chart. Head coach Mike Tomlin will clarify the Steelers' quarterback situation when he meets with the media later Tuesday, at which time Trubisky will likely be formally named the starter and Pickett the top backup. The Steelers aren't expected to keep three quarterbacks active most weeks, so Rudolph could quickly become a regular on the inactive list.
Sep 6, 2022 8:29 AM EST
Pittsburgh lists Rudolph as its No. 2 quarterback on the first regular-season depth chart that was released Monday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Meanwhile, Mitch Trubisky sits atop the depth chart, and though head coach Mike Tomlin hasn't yet announced a starter for the Week 1 game in Cincinnati, the expectation is that Trubisky will get the nod. Rudolph's placement on the depth chart ahead of rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett is perhaps more surprising, given that Rudolph worked with the third-string offense during Pittsburgh's preseason finale. It's possible that Rudolph is being listed second on the depth chart in deference to his status as a veteran, and Pickett may be the likelier candidate among the two signal-callers to pick up a start if Trubisky is benched or misses time at any point in 2022.
Sep 5, 2022 1:09 PM EST
Rudolph completed 17 of 21 pass attempts for 127 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions during the Steelers' 16-15 preseason win over the Jaguars on Saturday.
Analysis: Rudolph was the third quarterback to enter Saturday's matchup for the Steelers, but he led the team's signal-callers in playing time since he was on the field for the entire second half. The 2018 third-rounder was efficient for a second consecutive week, and he threw a go-ahead touchdown pass with under a minute remaining in the matchup. While Rudolph's preseason play has been strong, he worked mainly with the Steelers' third-team offense this week, while Kenny Pickett has played primarily with the second-stringers. Rudolph's strong results during the preseason strengthen his case for a spot on Pittsburgh's 53-man roster, but it's possible that he'll be forced to settle for the No. 3 job under center to begin the regular season.
Aug 21, 2022 10:01 PM EST
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Rudolph is set to close out Saturday's preseason exhibition against the Jaguars behind Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports.
Analysis: In last week's preseason opener against the Seahawks, Rudolph completed nine-of-15 passes for 93 yards and one score while working behind Trubisky. The 2018 third-rounder is in line to play behind Pickett (a 2022 first-round pick) for the team's upcoming contest against the Jaguars on Saturday, after Rudolph mainly worked with Pittsburgh's third-team offense throughout practice this week, per Mark Kaboly of The Athletic. With reference to Saturday's QB pecking order, head coach Mike Tomlin communicated that he wants Pickett to experience "more varsity action," while Rudolph is a player the coaching staff has familiarity with. Regardless, it seems like Trubisky is the presumed starter while the immediate backup job is still up in the air.
Aug 18, 2022 1:11 PM EST
Rudolph worked primarily with the Steelers' third-team offense during Monday's practice session, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Rudolph appeared to be the No. 2 option at quarterback over the first few weeks of training camp and was the second quarterback to take the field during Saturday's preseason opener against Seattle. All three of Pittsburgh's signal-callers played well Saturday, including Rudolph, who completed nine of 15 pass attempts for 93 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. However, rookie Kenny Pickett drew most of the snaps with the second-team offense at practice Monday. The team's coaching staff said that Pickett's advancement Monday was pre-planned rather than resulting from his play Saturday. Mitch Trubisky seems to be the frontrunner for the starting job under center, and it's safe to wonder whether Rudolph will be able to keep pace for the No. 2 job -- or a spot on the 53-man roster -- if Pickett and Trubisky continue to perform well.
Aug 15, 2022 8:00 PM EST
Rudolph completed nine of 15 pass attempts for 93 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 32-25 preseason win over the Seahawks.
Analysis: Rudolph was the second Steelers quarterback to enter Saturday's preseason opener, and he connected with rookie receiver George Pickens for a 26-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone late in the first quarter. Rudolph has had some reps with the first-team offense over the first few weeks of training camp, but Mitch Trubisky has looked like the frontrunner for the starting job under center. However, Rudolph certainly didn't hurt his case with his efficient performance against Seattle.
Aug 13, 2022 7:53 PM EST
Rudolph said Tuesday that he expects to get reps with the first-team offense during practice in the coming days, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: The Steelers have given Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett work with the starters among the first few days of camp, but both of those quarterbacks have shown some signs of inconsistency. Rudolph has also experienced some struggles early in training camp, but he appears to be firmly in the mix for the starting job under center ahead of the regular season. The 27-year-old connected with rookie Calvin Austin on a deep ball down the left sideline to end Tuesday's practice session, and Rudolph should have a chance to build a rapport with the team's starters in the near future. Rudolph was believed to be on the roster bubble earlier, but he's making a case for a starting role now that training camp is underway.
Aug 3, 2022 11:23 AM EST
Rudolph isn't guaranteed a roster spot with the Steelers in 2022 after the team drafted Kenny Pickett with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Rudolph will likely be in consideration for the starting quarterback job during camp, but Mitch Trubisky and Pickett seem like the much stronger options in the competition. While the 26-year-old Rudolph initially appeared to be in line for the No. 2 job to begin the season, Kaboly reports that the Oklahoma State product could struggle to make Pittsburgh's 53-man roster.
Apr 28, 2022 10:07 PM EST
Rudolph will begin OTAs as the Steelers' backup quarterback since the Mitchell Trubisky agreed to a two-year deal with the team Monday, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Rudolph looked like he had a chance to serve as Pittsburgh's starter under center after Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement earlier in the offseason, but Trubisky will now be the clear favorite to take the starting job after spending a year behind Josh Allen in Buffalo. After filling in during 10 games in 2019, Rudolph has made seven appearances across the last two seasons and has completed 60 of 101 passes for 601 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing 12 times for 47 yards.
Mar 14, 2022 12:09 PM EST
Rudolph could be the Steelers' starting quarterback in 2022, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Ben Roethlisberger is expected to retire, while Rudolph is under contract with the Steelers through 2022 thanks to a one-year extension (signed last spring) worth slightly more than $4 million -- decent money for a backup but far from what most starters make. Of course, Rudolph's odds of starting will depend on the alternatives as much as anything else, and it isn't yet clear if Pittsburgh will make a move for any of the high-profile, disgruntled, veteran QBs that may be available this offseason. Even if they don't, Rudolph won't necessarily be a lock to start, potentially facing competition from Dwayne Haskins, Joshua Dobbs or someone new who the Steelers bring in.
Jan 18, 2022 6:50 AM EST
Rudolph completed 35 of 58 passes for 277 yards, a touchdown and an interception while rushing five times for 53 yards across two appearances during the 2021 regular season.
Analysis: Rudolph made one start for the Steelers in 2021 after Ben Roethlisberger tested positive for COVID-19, and he had plenty of volume with 50 pass attempts in the Week 10 tie against the Lions. He made an appearance in relief during the team's Week 16 matchup against Kansas City and should remain the top backup heading into the playoffs. Roethlisberger has publicly expressed that he's weighing retirement following the 2021 campaign, so Rudolph could have a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job in Pittsburgh next year.
Jan 11, 2022 3:34 PM EST
Rudolph will return to a backup role Sunday against the Chargers after Ben Roethlisberger (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Rudolph served as a spot starter in Sunday's Week 10 tie against Detroit and completed 30 of 50 passes for 242 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Although he performed relatively well in his interim role, he should remain in a reserve role as long as Roethlisberger is healthy.
Nov 20, 2021 3:16 PM EST
Rudolph completed 30 of 50 passes for 242 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 16-16 tie against Detroit.
Analysis: Rudolph got a spot start in the place of Ben Roethlisberger (illness), though his effort was uninspiring even in a positive matchup. He averaged only 4.8 yards per attempt and regularly missed throws to open receivers, including an overthrow to Kalen Ballage late in the first quarter with the result being an interception. More positively, Rudolph did manage to lead the Steelers to a touchdown on the first drive of the game, which he capped with a nine-yard pass to James Washington. Rudolph remains in line to start in Week 11 against the Chargers should Roethlisberger fail to clear medical protocols and remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Nov 14, 2021 5:57 PM EST
Rudolph is in line to start Sunday's game against the Lions after Ben Roethlisberger (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Rudolph has yet to take the field in 2021, but he'll draw the start on short notice against Detroit. In his lone start for the Steelers last year, he completed 22 of 39 passes for 315 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Dwayne Haskins will presumably serve as the No. 2 option with Roethlisberger sidelined.
Nov 13, 2021 4:58 PM EST
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