Steelers Great Ben Roethlisberger Ends The Mason Rudolph Or Mitch Trubisky Debate With Definitive Statement

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a disappointing loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13 and the question of who would step into the shoes of injured quarterback Kenny Pickett sparked a lively debate among fans and analysts. Mitch Trubisky, the designated backup, appears to be the clear choice. 

However, some voices in the Steelers community argued for the opportunity to be given to Mason Rudolph, a 2018 third-round draft pick who hasn’t played since 2021. As the debate raged on, Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger made a definitive statement on the matter that left little room for doubt. 

The Steelers' loss to the Cardinals not only stung in the final score but also in the injury sustained by Pickett. Pickett had been instrumental in leading the Steelers on a promising drive into the red zone early in the game. However, his day took a drastic turn when he suffered an ankle injury while attempting to scramble on 3rd and three, ultimately leaving the game. Trubisky stepped in, and the Steelers' fortunes took a sharp decline, with the Cardinals ultimately securing a 24-10 victory.

Tomlin's Quick Decision And Pickett's Surgery

Immediately after the game, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin wasted no time in clarifying the team's quarterback situation. He asserted that if Pickett were to miss time due to his injury, Trubisky would be the quarterback taking the field. This announcement was swiftly followed by news that Pickett would indeed undergo surgery on his ankle, sidelining him for multiple games. While Tomlin's decision to turn to Trubisky was not shocking, it reignited the debate over the suitability of Rudolph for the role. 

When he was drafted out of Oklahoma State, some believed that maybe Rudolph would be the guy to replace Roethlisberger. Fast forward to 2023 and he’s the third-string quarterback. In March of 2023, Rudolph tested the free agent market after his one-year contract expired, but ended up signing back with the Steelers for the league minimum. This is another telling sign of how the rest of the league viewed Rudolph’s quarterback resume.

The debate between Trubisky and Rudolph had been simmering in the background, waiting for the right moment to resurface. Sunday's game marked the sixth time since Pickett that he had to exit due to injury in the 2023 season alone. Throughout this time, Trubisky had served as the backup without much contention. However, a portion of the Steelers' media and their devoted fan base began advocating for Rudolph to be given another chance, believing he could provide a compelling alternative.

Steelers' Roethlisberger Has Candid Perspective On Team's Quarterback Situation

Amid this spirited discussion, Roethlisberger offered his perspective on the matter during an appearance on the DVE Morning Show with Randy Baumann. When questioned about whether Rudolph should be considered for the role, Roethlisberger's response was direct and thought-provoking.

“I’ll say this. He’s been here a long time. Why hasn’t he played yet? There must be something, right?” 

Roethlisberger's statement carries particular weight due to the context of his relationship with Rudolph. The Steelers drafted Rudolph in 2018, a somewhat awkward juncture in Roethlisberger's career. At the time, Roethlisberger was still seen as the franchise quarterback in the twilight of his prime. Reports suggested that Roethlisberger may not have had a close relationship with Rudolph and could have been unsettled by the Steelers drafting another quarterback.

Roethlisberger's blunt assessment of Rudolph's prolonged absence from the starting role suggests that the veteran quarterback's opinion aligns with the coaching staff's decision to favor Trubisky. While Rudolph has had opportunities to showcase his potential, his limited appearances and the team's vocal endorsement of Trubisky speak volumes about their assessment of both quarterbacks.

Rudolph's most recent game action as a Steeler dates back to 2021, during a Week 15 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. In a game that was already out of reach, Rudolph entered during the final drive, completing five of his eight passes for 35 yards. Prior to that, Rudolph had several opportunities to secure the backup spot and even vie for the starting role.

In the 2019 season, Rudolph played in 10 games, completing 62% of his passes for 1,765 yards, 13 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His record as a starter stands at 5-4-1.

Trubisky Is The Clear Choice For The Steelers

While the debate between Trubisky and Rudolph may intensify during Pickett's expected three-week absence, one thing remains indisputable. Trubisky is the designated quarterback for the time being. Tomlin's swift decision and Roethlisberger's endorsement suggest a strong belief in Trubisky's ability to lead the team to victory.

As the Steelers navigate this uncertain period, the quarterback debate serves as a backdrop to a season filled with challenges and unexpected twists. For now, the Steelers have placed their faith in Trubisky, leaving Rudolph as the next man up. The coming weeks will reveal whether this decision was the right one for the team's playoff hopes. The decision to start Trubisky is made easier by the fact that the Steelers are on a short week and play Thursday night against the New England Patriots. 

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