Getty Image / Justin K Aller
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first season without Ben Roethlisberger hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.
The team currently finds themselves in 4th place in the AFC North and that is thanks in large part to their quarterback play.
The Steelers opened the year with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback, but needed just over 3 games to decide to turn to rookie Kenny Pickett. He hasn’t been much of an improvement, but the Steelers have gotten better results with him under center.
Unfortunately, Pickett is dealing with a concussion he suffered after throwing just one pass against the Ravens last weekend. Trubisky stepped back under center in that game and threw 3 interceptions on the way to a loss to a Ravens team that was dealing with quarterback injuries of their own.
After another disappointing Trubisky performance, there are questions about who should be starting for the Steelers while Pickett is unavailable.
Today, star wide receiver Diontae Johnson gave his support to Mason Rudolph to start against the Panthers on Sunday.
Diontae Johnson was just asked if he wants to see Mason Rudolph start Sunday.
He does. #Steelers @937theFan pic.twitter.com/xPc57VDFus
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) December 15, 2022
Yeah, I want to see (Rudolph) play. I know he’s ready to play. I know it’s probably in the back of his mind, like ‘Dang, when am I going to get my chance?’ I feel like this week is it for him. I know he’s going to do everything it takes to prepare this week and get ready for Sunday.
Rudolph has started for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the past and while he wasn’t too impressive, he also wasn’t any worse than either of the quarterbacks that have already started for the Steelers this season.
It could be worth it to give him a shot in a very winnable game against the Panthers and, at worst, maybe he’ll do a better job of getting Johnson the ball than the other 2 QBs.