Steelers preparing to start Mason Rudolph at QB vs. Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to start quarterback Mason Rudolph ahead of the struggling Mitch Trubisky when they face the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Monday.

However, Tomlin also said regular starter Kenny Pickett (ankle) has not been ruled out just yet. Pickett was hurt on Dec. 3 and has missed the past two games.

Rudolph took over for Trubisky late in this past Saturday’s key loss against the Indianapolis Colts.

A third-round pick by the Steelers in 2018, Rudolph is 5-4-1 in his career as a starter.

The Steelers (7-7) need to beat the Bengals (8-6) to maintain a realistic shot to make the playoffs.