Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or Mac Jones

Friday, August 22, 10:43 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed six of his eight pass attempts for 36 scoreless yards and an interception in Thursday night's 19-10 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers. Rudolph took the field for the team's first three offensive possessions and could not get much of anything going. The Steelers punted twice in the first quarter before Rudolph opened the second period with an ill-advised throw to Ke'Shawn Williams that Carolina picked off. Rudolph's brief showing was quickly outshined by teammate Skylar Thompson, who led Pittsburgh on three straight scoring drives. Nonetheless, the 30-year-old Rudolph should be expected to maintain QB2 duties heading into the regular season as the most experienced backup on the roster, especially if rookie Will Howard (finger) is placed on IR.

Tuesday, August 19, 5:23 PM

San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones (knee) is not at training camp practice on Tuesday after spraining his knee in the second preseason game over the weekend, according to The Athletic's David Lombardi. Jones' injury isn't believed to be serious, but it explains the recent signing of Nate Sudfeld for additional QB depth. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Jones will not play in the club's preseason finale on Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the Niners believe that Jones will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. In addition to Sudfeld, the team has Carter Bradley in their QB room behind starter Brock Purdy. The 26-year-old Jones will be off the fantasy radar unless he's forced into a starting role in 2025 due to a Purdy injury.