The Pittsburgh Steelers conclude their three-game preseason on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. As a result, it's the last time we'll see the quarterback trio in game action before the starter is officially announced for Week 1. Mitch Trubisky will be the starter on Sunday. Rookie Kenny Pickett, who has established himself as the team's No. 2 at worst, will follow Trubisky.
Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett in preseason action. Credit: Yahoo.com
To some surprise, veteran Mason Rudolph will see some snaps after the first two QB's get their reps in, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It's clear that Rudolph won't win the starting job, and he may not even be on the team in the next few weeks. The Lions, Sunday's opponent, have been linked to Rudolph in trade rumors. That started after head coach Dan Campbell admitted the team may be in the market for a veteran QB. The Steelers are possibly giving Rudolph reps so that the Lions (and others) get one last live look at the Oklahoma State product.
Mike Tomlin said it will be Trubisky, Pickett and then Rudolph on Sunday.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) August 26, 2022
For the Steelers' perspective, Sunday gives them one last glimpse into the battle for the starting job between Pickett and Trubisky. While Trubisky has seemingly had the upper hand all off-season due to his leadership and experience, Pickett has closed the gap over the past few weeks. The rookie has played well against the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, showing impressive accuracy and an ability to stand in the pocket.
Since Rudolph may not have much of a future with the team, he'll likely get the least playing time of the three options. In fact, many thought that Tomlin would just play the top two guys, letting them each play one half of football. This could very well be the last time that we see Mason Rudolph in a black and gold uniform.
The beginning of the regular season is now just two weeks away, as the Steelers begin things in Cincinnati. It'll be their eighth straight season that they begin on the road, somewhat of a historic feat. It seems that streak may come to an end in 2023 though, as it was announced that the Pittsburgh Pirates will be on the road for what should be Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season.
Yinz, final predictions? Who will win the starting QB job between Trubisky and Pickett? Who do you think should win the job? Will the team trade Rudolph to the Lions? Share your thoughts on the QB situation as we head into the final preseason game, and interact with our social media sites!
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