Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or Sam Howell

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.

Sunday, August 24, 10:40 AM

The Minnesota Vikings are sending backup quarterback Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune. As part of the deal, Minnesota will send Howell and a sixth-round pick in 2026 to Philly for a fifth-rounder in 2026 and a seventh-rounder in 2027. With Tanner McKee (finger) uncertain for the start of the season, the Eagles have another backup option behind Jalen Hurts. Minnesota, meanwhile, moved quickly on Howell, flipping him to Philly and signing veteran Carson Wentz to serve as J.J. McCarthy's backup.