One Rudolph expected this to be a busy weekend, but the other? Not so much.
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is always busy when Christmas rolls around. Mason Rudolph, however, will get some unexpected work tomorrow when the Steelers play the Bengals. Mason Rudolph will start at quarterback for Mike Tomlin’s crew.
Kenny Pickett has officially been ruled out of the game. Pickett had been trying to come back after missing the last two games with ankle surgery, but after yesterday’s practice, coach Tomlin announced that Rudolph will start and Pickett will not be available. It’s not clear if Pickett will dress as the “emergency” quarterback, but Mitch Trubisky will be the backup. For Trace McSorley to fill the role of QB3, NFL rules stipulate he would have to be added to the active roster rather than just be promoted from the practice squad.
The Steelers battered defense has been a letdown for Tomlin during the team’s three-game losing streak. Cornerback Patrick Peterson has been padding up to play safety tomorrow, with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Trenton Thompson, and Keanu Neal all out.
Linebacker TJ Watt says Peterson is an amazing football player.
Watt explained a controversy that cropped up this week when NFL Network’s Rich Eisen highlighted his comments about the practice habits of his Steelers teammates. The defensive co-captain said he was simply providing guidance on how he approaches practice.
Cam Heyward, the other defensive co-captain, says the Steelers will be shorthanded on the defensive side of the ball tomorrow, but that’s the hand they’ve been dealt.
Heyward says the defense has not been doing its job the last three games, and they have to come together against the Bengals.
Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 4:30. You’ll hear it on WDAD beginning with the pregame at 2:30.
