Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or Tua Tagovailoa

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.

Saturday, November 1, 7:35 PM

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could be benched "at some point" this season. While Rapoport added that his "play would have to really fall off" for that to happen, a possible demotion is "not off the table." The 27-year-old has thrown for 1,779 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions during the 2025 campaign. Although Tagovailoa has had at least a few decent fantasy showings this season, he has struggled on several occasions. For now, the signal-caller will remain under center. However, it appears he's on a short leash, so he'll need to play well in upcoming meetings with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders. If not, Zach Wilson or Quinn Ewers may claim the top spot on the depth chart.