Steelers Still Believe Kenny Pickett Is Franchise QB Despite Starting Mason Rudolph, per Report

Mike Tomlin is riding the hot hand with a playoff spot on the line, but the former first-round pick is still viewed as the long-term franchise quarterback.

The Pittsburgh Steelers still view quarterback Kenny Pickett as their long-term franchise quarterback despite starting Mason Rudolph in his stead on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens with a playoff spot hanging in the balance, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Pickett is now fully healthy, but is sitting behind Rudolph in Saturday’s must-win game against the Ravens. He is 2–0 as the starter this season, and has completed 68.5% of his passes for 567 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. 

The Steelers are starting “the hot hand” in Rudolph, per the report from Rapoport. If the lights prove to be too bright for Rudolph on Saturday night, Pickett will be available and ready to play. However, if Rudolph plays well again, it will set up for an interesting scenario under center as Pittsburgh enters the playoffs. 

Pickett is on the bench to start the Steelers’ must-win game against the Ravens on Saturday :: Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports

Rudolph signed a one-year deal last May to return to the Steelers after testing free agency, but was the team’s third string quarterback behind Pickett and Mitch Trubisky.

When Pickett underwent ankle surgery in early December, Rudolph was elevated to backup and eventually took over the starting job due to Trubisky’s ineffectiveness.