One could say that Rodgers’ absence on the field could have been a major blow for the team. However, the Steelers faced issues in multiple areas, and Tomlin delivered a strong self-critique regarding their performance.

“I thought we started the second half slow. I think we had two three and outs on offense. I thought our defense could have smiled in the face of adversity better. In the first half in particular, I think we got stopped on fourth down. They scored a touchdown. We turned the ball over, they scored a touchdown, and I think if we’re going to be good, you’ve got to make people settle for field goals or less under those circumstances.

“And so, we’re all responsible. We know that. That game is an illustration of that. It’s just tight when it’s good-on-good and we didn’t make enough plays and enough sequences as I mentioned to be successful,” the HC said via the team’s official website.

Rudolph counts on Rodgers’ support

Aaron Rodgers’ wrist injury forced Mike Tomlin to make a crucial decision ahead of the game against the Bears, naming Mason Rudolph as the team’s starting QB. After the loss to Chicago, the former Oklahoma State quarterback expressed his gratitude for the support he received from Rodgers.

“I think he knows this isn’t my first time doing it, so he wasn’t talking my ear off,” said Rudolph. “But he provided some support and some extra setup. Veteran, awesome eyes, on the sidelines. Supportive of me and supportive of the offense.”

Staying in the hunt in the AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a brutal and defining three-game stretch, hosting the Bills, traveling to the Ravens, and then welcoming the Dolphins. Amidst all the external noise—including recent speculation that necessitated Mike Tomlin clarifying the team’s quarterback strategy between Rodgers and Rudolph—this run against three powerful AFC contenders will ultimately test the stability of the roster and determine Pittsburgh’s playoff fate.

Bouncing back from Chicago

The Steelers‘ narrow 31-28 loss to the Bears highlighted critical flaws that demand immediate correction, especially with a brutal schedule ahead. Offensively, the team struggled with ball security, committing two crucial turnovers (an interception and a lost fumble by QB Mason Rudolph) that directly led to 14 Bears points.

Defensively, they allowed Chicago’s offense to rack up 423 total yards and convert 80% of their red-zone attempts into touchdowns. To survive the upcoming AFC gauntlet, Pittsburgh must drastically improve its turnover margin and red-zone defense.

Tomlin confirmed the decision to Evan Washburn of CBS Sports as the Steelers waited until the last second to see whether Rodgers was cleared to play. But in the end, it’s Rudolph leading the Steelers’ offense in Chicago this time.

“He fought his tail off all week. That’s the prudent play to make for us as a collective. We’ll let Mason start. He’s absorbed most of the reps this week,” Tomlin explained during his pregame conversation with Washburn.

Why is Rodgers not playing in Chicago today?

Rodgers is missing today’s game in Chicago after suffering an injury in his left wrist last time out, during the Steelers‘ 34-12 win over division rivals Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh.

The 4x NFL MVP sustained a small fracture, and even though it was in his non-throwing hand, it forced him to miss practices in the week leading to the Bears game. Therefore, Tomlin ultimately opted to let Rodgers heal and play Rudolph instead.

What’s Mason Rudolph’s record as a starting QB?

In 18 NFL starts, Rudolph has a 9-8-1 record. Most of them came with the Steelers, having led Tomlin’s offense for 13 games with an 8-4-1 record. Rudolph also had a brief experience as starting quarterback for the Tennesee Titans in 2024, going 1-4.

“My mindset is to be ready if I need to play. It’s a balance. You have to be chomp at the bit every time your number is called. Otherwise, you’re going to miss an opportunity and you won’t be in the right mental state. But, I’ve got plenty of experience going back and forth in different roles. So, it’s part of what’s probably chilled out my personality a little bit because I just say screw it and roll with the punches.”

The Steelers signed Rodgers as their answer to winning the Super Bowl, but understanding that his age and injuries could be key factors, they also brought Rudolph back because of his familiarity with the team. That paid off in the win over Cincinnati, in which Mason had a solid second half after taking Aaron’s place.

Who will start for Steelers against Bears? Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph?

Aaron Rodgers wants to start for the Steelers against the Bears, but everything will depend on the opinion of the doctors and the coaching staff regarding his left wrist injury. Mason Rudolph understands that the veteran wants to speed up his return to face one of the biggest rivals of his career, the Chicago Bears.

“There’s certain games that mean a lot and you circle them. This was one of them for Aaron. So, I understand his motivation to come back and take the field against an old rival.”

No matter what happens, Rudolph praised the great relationship he has with Aaron Rodgers, who, jokingly, said that Mason is a troll in the locker room. “It’s pretty harsh coming from a troll himself (laughs). We’ve got a good healthy banter all of us in the quarterback room each and every day. It’s been one of the most fun rooms I’ve ever been a part of. So, we keep it light and he’s got a lot of material for me to use. He’s at a little bit of a disadvantage because I don’t have the paparazzi waiting outside my house in Malibu every day.”

How is the relationship between Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph with Steelers?

The relationship between Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph is very good with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A big difference from what Mason experienced with Ben Roethlisberger, who was never very close to him because he saw him as the replacement the team had drafted to eventually take his spot.

“I didn’t know what to expect (with Aaron Rodgers). You never know. I had enough mutual friends that said he was just an awesome guy in the room. He is ultra famous and ultra successful, but he can let his guard down and just be about as normal as you can ask for. So, we’ve all appreciated that. We’ve got a great working relationship. He’s very kind and complimentary.”

However, after the mandatory camp and the start of training camp, several of Rodgers’ new teammates in Pittsburgh have strongly denied that this reputation is true. On the contrary, they have praised the veteran’s attitude as a leader of the quarterback room.

The latest to do so was Mason Rudolph in an interview with Mark Kaboly. “Aaron has been incredibly friendly and open to questions and talkative. He’s been a wealth of information.”

Who are the Steelers’ backup quarterbacks?

Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard are the backup quarterbacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The situation is not new to Rudolph, who has spent most of his career as a QB2 behind names like Ben Roethlisberger and Kenny Pickett.

During another interview with DK Pittsburgh Sports in training camp, Rudolph spoke specifically about returning to a backup role and being ready when the opportunity presents itself.

“My approach is not changing. I’m here enjoying. It’s my eighth year in the NFL. God has blessed me just immensely with just being associated with this team, these teammates, Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney. So, I’m really enjoying it. It’s been fun.”

“I had a feeling they were gonna bring somebody in. Obviously, Aaron is at the forefront of the conversation for a long time. I won’t change my approach. We got one more week of practice coming up. Our mandatory minicamp. It will be nice to get everybody in the building and keep doing what I’ve done my whole career. I’ve had plenty of adversity and found a way to battle through it. I’ve stayed ready to play when called upon.”

Rudolph arrived in Pittsburgh as a third-round pick in the 2018 Draft, seen as a potential successor to Ben Roethlisberger. However, after not receiving a real opportunity as a starter, he went to try his luck with the Titans in 2024. Now, he’s back.

Who will be the starting quarterback of the Steelers in 2025?

Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback in 2025 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is not an unfamiliar scenario for Mason Rudolph, who has spent most of his career as a backup.

For example, in 2023, Rudolph waited patiently behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky. When he got his opportunity, Mason won the final three regular season games, leading the team to the playoffs.

Despite the fact that many scouts saw him as having first-round potential, the reality is that Rudolph has never been given the chance to play a full season as a starter. That’s why, if Aaron Rodgers hadn’t signed, this finally seemed like his moment.

“I know the Steelers traditionally go to training camp with four quarterbacks. I know they’re going to add somebody. It’s just a question of who it will be. I can’t control that. I shrug those questions off pretty easily. This is the NFL and I’m very used to, you know, all the controversy that the quarterback position brings. It’s normal. It’s expected. What I can control is how I’m going to work and lead the offense. Take advantage of every rep I get this spring.”

Several weeks ago, general manager Omar Khan confirmed that the Steelers would stick to their policy of having four quarterbacks signed heading into training camp, with at least two of them being NFL veterans. At the moment, only one spot remains available.

Who will be the next Steelers starting quarterback?

Mason Rudolph is currently the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, that would obviously change if Aaron Rodgers signs with the team in the coming weeks. That would complete the four quarterback spots.

Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard are the other players in the quarterback room competing for the QB2 spot. If Rodgers turns down Pittsburgh’s offer, Kirk Cousins or Carson Wentz could be options to fill that second veteran spot at the position alongside Rudolph.

Rudolph, who turns 30 in July, is back in Pittsburgh after leaving the Steel City for the Tennesse Titans last year. And even though he’s aware that the Steelers may have no near deadline for Rodgers, this speculation isn’t bothering him.

During the first day of the Steelers’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Rudolph inevitably faced questions related to the Rodgers rumors. The quarterback, selected by the Steelers in the 2018 NFL Draft, made it clear to Tomlin and company that he already knows how to handle the outside noise.

“That’s nothing new to me. There’s been constant noise,” Rudolph said, via the Steelers’ website. “That is the nature of the NFL. So I am used to that for a long time. Now I’m doing nothing but being the best I can be to help our team get better this spring.”

The Steelers move forward while waiting for Rodgers

While the NFL world is still waiting for updates on Rodgers, the Steelers continue to prepare for the upcoming season. For instance, the team recently confirmed a new signing for Tomlin with the addition of WR Montana Lemonious-Craig.

With Rodgers still contemplating his future, the Steelers kicked off the third phase of their offseason program with the three quarterbacks who are under contract for the 2025 NFL season.

Apart from Rudolph, Tomlin is counting on this year’s draft pick Will Howard and Skylar Thompson, who was signed in January. Rodgers is expected to take over at some point, but until then, Rudolph is working as the Steelers QB1.

A new face is expected at the Steelers QB room

On Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that, in the event the possibility of Rodgers falls through, the Steelers will switch their attention to Kirk Cousins as a plan B. Which means that, one way or another, Rudolph will face more competition in the QB room.

In a recent media appearance, Rudolph addressed the imminent arrival of Rodgers to the team, acknowledging that the two will likely compete for the starting job come Week 1. Despite that, the former Oklahoma State standout remains confident in his ability to take on the role.

“They know what I can do and what we were able to do there toward the end of 2023,” Rudolph said via Kaboly and Mack on YouTube. “They know I can play well when asked to, and my number is called.”

Coming off a recent stint with the Titans, he was fully aware of the possibility that the team would add a new quarterback to the roster — likely someone with experience and a strong reputation. Even so, he expressed confidence in his ability to deliver and prove himself to his head coach.

“I assumed they were going to sign people and add to the roster because they always go to training camp with four quarterbacks,” Rudolph also added. “I knew that going in. I am going to respect the privacy of what (general manager) Omar (Khan) told me specifically. That’s for him to decide when, or whatever, they add a fourth.”

Rudolph’s confidence ahead of what’s next

These are hectic days in Pittsburgh, as there’s still no resolution regarding the potential arrival of Rodgers to join Mike Tomlin’s roster. Still, understanding that this is ultimately a business, Rudolph knows he has to stay the course if he wants to see playing time again.

“Whoever they bring in and whoever it is will determine … I learned a long time ago that the financial compensation will tell you what’s going to go down in terms of the depth chart,” Rudolph said.

He finally concluded: “I get it. All I can do is keep having a good spring … and make the most of every rep. That’s what I’ve done my whole career. I am confident that I will be able to play well and win games when my name is called.”

Last season, the Steelers had Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph on their depth chart. Both give Pittsburgh insurance at the position, but this year one of them will probably pack his bags.

Rudolph is expected to be the one on his way out, since he becomes a free agent while the 2017 No. 2 overall pick is still under contract. However, if Trubisky ends up being cut or traded as many predict, Rudolph may be interested in coming back to Pittsburgh.

NFL Rumors: Mason Rudolph could be Steelers backup QB if Mitch Trubisky leaves

(ViaTim Benz ofTribLIVE)

“There has been a lot of chatter this offseason about the prospect of the Pittsburgh Steelers cutting or trading quarterback Mitch Trubisky. If that were to happen, would the Steelers entertain the prospect of keeping free-agent third-stringer Mason Rudolph? And would Rudolph even entertain that idea after he was bypassed last year by Trubisky in free agency and Kenny Pickett in the draft?

“According to a text exchange Wednesday with a source close to the situation, Rudolph’s primary goal is to explore his options outside of Pittsburgh. However, he wouldn’t ‘close the door unnecessarily’ on another contract with the Steelers.”

What Rudolph cleary doesn’t want is to be demoted to a third-string quarterback role. If the Steelers can offer him the backup job, it would make sense for him to stay. If not, he’ll probably explore his options in the free agency. As for Trubisky, his chances of being a starter in the league also look practically over but he would be a very interesting target for teams looking for a reliable backup.

Mitch Trubisky began as the starter, but, prior to Week 5, head coach Mike Tomlin made the call thousands of fans were expecting. Rookie Kenny Pickett was in charge. For Tomlin, the streak of no losing seasons continued with sixteen. However, the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game in the last six years. That’s not a great standard for a franchise with six Super Bowls.

So, towards next season, Kenny Pickett seems to be the front-runner. Nevertheless, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph know really well the system in order to, at least, put some heat in the race at the depth chart of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The problem is one of those might have made a huge decision.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback won’t return next season

According to many reports from Pittsburgh, Mason Rudolph had enough of the Steelers. Rudolph was selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Mike Tomlin’s team even made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to go up and get him. That’s because many scouts within the organization believed he had first-round potential.

So, the plan was to develop Mason Rudolph until Ben Roethlisberger decided to retire. When Big Ben got injured in the 2019 season, Rudolph alternated chances as starter with Duck Hodges, but never really earned the trust of Mike Tomlin. After his first four-year contract, considering he was a solid backup, Rudolph signed a new one year deal.

Then, when the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp began in 2022, Mason Rudolph was promised by Mike Tomlin a fair chance to compete for the starting job with Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky. Rudolph had the best quarterback performances during the preseason, but, Tomlin gave the starting job to Mitch Trubisky.

Furthermore, when Mitch Trubisky failed as starter, Kenny Pickett got the call. In that moment, Mason Rudolph wasn’t even considered to climb to the No.2 spot in the depth chart. So, he saw most of the games in the stands without being activated. Again, Rudolph had nochance to compete.

Now, following five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mason Rudolph might have decided that the opportunity he deserves most definitely is elsewhere. This creates a problem for the team, because no one knows for sure if Mitch Trubisky would accept a backup role or ask to be traded.

With Mason Rudolph leaving and Mitch Trubisky’s uncertainty, the Steelers could start training camp with only one quarterback available. For Rudolph, the search for a new team has started, in order to prove all the critics were wrong about him after a very solid career at Oklahoma State.

Big Ben is expected topart ways with the Steelers at the end of the 2021 NFL season, following a report that claims he’s already told that to some of his closest friends and former teammates.

That leaves a huge vacancy in one of the most popular franchises in the league, so finding a decent replacement won’t be an easy task. While many peopleexpectthemto draftor trade for a quarterbacknext year, Steelers insider Mark Madden believes the franchise will make adecision that may not please fans.

NFL Rumors: The shocking decision the Steelers could make to replaceBen Roethlisberger

“I don’t think they’ll go quarterback in the first round,” Madden said, as quoted by triblive.com. “I think they’ll let Mason Rudolph start the year and see how he does. I think you’ve got to go offensive line in the first round. But they’ve screwed (up) so many times, with so many different draft picks lately — not least and most recently Devin Bush — how can we get a read on their philosophy?”

That’s probably not what Steelers fans expect to hear next year if Roethlisberger finally steps away from the team. There are several better candidates who could take the offensive reins of the team should Big Ben leaves.

Pittsburgh will have the opportunity to select a quarterback in the first round in the 2022 NFL Draft, with Matt Corral andKenny Pickett as two interesting candidates. But if not, they couldlookfor other options in the trade market or free agency,with big names like Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers expected to be available.

That’s why it looks unlikely the Steelers will settle with Rudolph, who failed to impress when he was behind center. But Madden knows a thing or two about Pittsburgh and his take is not that unrealistic, regardless of what Steelers’ fans actually expect.