One of the battles under the microscope at Pittsburgh Steelers training camp has been the backup quarterback position. Will Howard was once viewed as a favorite to win the job coming out of minicamp, but the incumbent is proving his worth early and often. Mason Rudolph could widen his lead over Howard as the preseason gets underway Thursday night. If there is one backup quarterback the Steelers can feel comfortable having on their roster, however, Rudolph has certainly earned that distinction.
Rudolph spoke to the media this week about his experience in training camp and the competition for the job. To this point, Rudolph has had to earn his keep throughout his Steelers career.
"This is the time of the year where the depth chart is most talked about, and that comes with the territory. All you can do is make the most of each of your reps. I remember there was a time in 2023 where I came back and [Mitchell Trubisky] and [Kenny Pickett] were getting just about every rep. I think I took one pass in the spring of [2023] and I was frustrated. I was down. I know I'm better than just getting one rep, but I think I had to change my mentality that year. That year it worked out for me and I extended my career." Rudolph said.
Rudolph dealt with a bad hand at times, but he worked through it
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Rudolph has experienced plenty of adversity during his time in Pittsburgh. After entering the league in 2018, Rudolph found himself in the middle of a difficult quarterback situation when his opportunity eventually arrived in 2019. He later had to navigate another crowded room when the Steelers added both a veteran free agent in Mitchell Trubisky and a highly drafted quarterback in Kenny Pickett in 2022. Instead of allowing those circumstances to derail him, Rudolph continued working and controlling what he can control.
That patience ultimately paid off. His 2023 heroic playoff run experience provides another example of his ability to remain engaged even when the circumstances do not favor him. Rather than running away and demanding a trade like Pickett ultimately did, Rudolph changed his approach. He continued preparing as if his chance would eventually arrive.
That kind of response matters for a backup quarterback.
Rudolph provides the kind of leadership Pittsburgh needs
A backup quarterback's value extends beyond what he can do when he enters a game. He also has to prepare every week, support the starter, and remain ready despite potentially limited opportunities. Rudolph has already demonstrated that he understands that responsibility.
His willingness to continue competing through difficult circumstances also separates him from situations where quarterbacks have become unhappy and sought a way out. The Steelers know they can count on Rudolph to remain professional and prepared regardless of where he sits on the depth chart. That leadership can be difficult to replace.
Rudolph also appears to have earned the respect of his teammates, which makes the idea of Pittsburgh moving on from him more complicated than simply evaluating his ability to play quarterback.
Howard may still have an opportunity to win the backup job. However, Rudolph is showing why the Steelers were comfortable bringing him back. If he ultimately wins the competition, Pittsburgh would not simply be retaining an experienced quarterback. The Steelers would be keeping a player who has repeatedly shown that he can handle adversity, support his teammates, and stay ready for his next opportunity.
For a backup quarterback, that could be just as valuable as what he does on the field.
