Who Should I Start? Nate Sudfeld or Mason Rudolph

Wednesday, August 20, 10:58 AM

The San Francisco 49ers have signed journeyman quarterback Nate Sudfeld to a one-year deal, with the terms of the deal undisclosed. Sudfeld was originally a 6th-round draft pick of the Washington Commanders in 2016 and has seen stops with the Eagles, 49ers, and Lions. Sudfeld was with the 49ers in 2021 when he beat out Brock Purdy for the No. 3 quarterback spot, but he has yet to start a game in his seven-year NFL career. His last appearance in a game was in 2022 with Detroit. With the 49ers moving running back Patrick Taylor Jr. to season-ending IR on Wednesday, they had a roster spot to fill, but Sudfeld sits fifth on the team's quarterback depth chart and is unlikely to make the team's 53-man roster.

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.