Regular season is almost here, Pittsburgh Steelers fans. The team heads into one final preseason battle against the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon and it is quite possible that a veteran of the organization could be wearing black and gold for the final time. There has been tons of trade speculation surrounding quarterback, Mason Rudolph. General Manager, Omar Khan downplayed the rumors last week when asked about the situation, but there remains increasing belief that he will be dealt before roster cuts are made next Tuesday. Regardless of what everyone else thinks, Rudolph is just worried about playing football and not getting distracted.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Joe Rutter of Trib-Live, reported on Rudolph speaking to the media after practice on Thursday and the quarterback was very clear on his stance about the rumors of him being traded soon and where his head is at heading into Sunday's preseason action:
“All I care about is this coaching staff right now,” Rudolph said. “[A trade] may be so, but I can’t control it. I don’t try to speculate on that. My teammates and coaches are the opinions I care about. Anything else is water under the bridge.”
The fifth-year NFL player echoed his comments recently about being disappointed in the lack of first-team reps that he has received throughout training camp and the first two games:
"I try to say nothing surprises you anymore, but I said it previously, I would have enjoyed taking some more first-team reps, but that didn’t happen. I think I made the most of the reps I did get, and that’s all you can do when you play quarterback."
Steelers Rudolph Has Made A Case For Himself To Have Trade Value
Rudolph has played well in the preseason for the Steelers, only making a few minor mistakes. He is 26/36 for 220 passing yards and two touchdowns. He led the team to what turned out to be a game-winning touchdown drive last weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He may never end up being a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback in the NFL, but has 10 games of starting experience and would be a more viable backup option for a handful of teams around the league.
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (#2) at 2022 training camp. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
If the trade speculation is true, there may be a couple suitors for Rudolph out there, but he stays away from the talk outside of the locker room:
"I think I hear it from you guys, but I don’t read it. I really don’t. I try not to read the rat poison on social media, which can get to you. My friends and family know not to send me that crap. It’s easy. That’s my routine."
Rudolph did say however, that it is too early to comment on if he'd welcome a trade from the Steelers organization, not that he has much of a choice. He didn't deny the fact though that being elsewhere and receiving more reps might be an intriguing possibility for him.
"I think it’s too soon to say. We’ve got another week. I’m going to keep doing my job each and every day, hit the field Sunday and compete."
Say what you want about Rudolph and his play on the field over the years, but he has certainly taken the high road and continues to put his head down and get to work on the field. He has been nothing but a professional. This weekend, however, may be the last time that he wears a Steelers uniform.
What do you make of Rudolph's approach and mindset heading into the last preseason game of the year? Let us know in the comments below!
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