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Steelers Uncertain of Starting QB Next Week

The Pittsburgh Steelers don't know who will start at quarterback next week against the Seahawks.

Stephen Thompson

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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will go into next week with a fresh quarterback controversy on their hands. 

Starting quarterback Kenny Pickett is making progress in his return from injury but after Mason Rudolph stepped in for his first start in more than two years and lit up the Cincinnati Bengals to help keep the Steelers' playoff hopes alive, there could be a tough decision on the horizon for head coach Mike Tomlin.

"You're right, it is early to ask," Tomlin responded when asked if the Steelers will stick with Rudolph moving forward. 

The first task for the Steelers as they begin preparation for their next game, a road date with the Seattle Seahawks, will be to determine whether or not Pickett is even healthy enough to play. 

He returned to the practice field this past week, but only in a limited capacity, three weeks removed from an ankle injury that required tight rope surgery to repair. Pickett's original timetable was said to be two to four weeks. 

Rudolph took over for the struggling Mitch Trubiksy, who had won the battle for the backup quarterback job coming out of training camp, late in the Week 15 loss to the Colts, but played just one series. 

Against the Bengals, Rudolph played far and away the best game of his NFL career, completing 17 of 27 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns to no interceptions as the Steelers pummelled the Bengals, 34-11 while setting a season-high in points and offensive touchdowns scored. 

Rudolph was asked if he believes he's earned another start, but deferred that decision to his coaches. 

"You’re asking the wrong person. That’s out of my hands," Rudolph said. "I’ll just get my marching orders and go.”

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general. 

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