Mason Rudolph Reportedly Wins Steelers' Backup Quarterback Role Over Josh Dobbs
By Karl Rasmussen
One of the main questions facing the Pittsburgh Steelers during the preseason was backup quarterback role.
2017 fourth-round pick Josh Dobbs and 2018 third-round pick Mason Rudolph were in tight competition to win clipboard duty in Pittsburgh, and it seems the team has picked its champion.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Rudolph will be named the team's backup quarterback, making Dobbs the third option.
After a strong preseason, Mason Rudolph won the Steelers' No. 2 quarterback job and will back up Ben Roethlisberger this season barring unforeseen development, per sources.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 30, 2019
The announcement shouldn't come as much of a surprise, given the pair's preseason performances.
Rudolph threw four touchdowns and just one interception in four preseason games, including a finale against the Panthers during which he went 7-for-11 for 125 yards and a score.
Dobbs, on the other hand, went just 3-for-5 in the clash. Throughout the entire preseason showcase, the former Tennessee Volunteer didn't throw a touchdown pass and was picked off twice.
Mason Rudolph played three series in the 2nd quarter, completing 7 of 11 passes for 125 yards and a 31-yard TD to WR Johnny Holton. Rudolph's preseason numbers: 28 of 43 for 368 yards, with four touchdowns and one interception. His passer rating was 113.3.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 30, 2019
Rudolph certainly stole the show in the preseason, and it looks as if the team will reward him.
The Oklahoma State standout has yet to appear in an NFL game, as he was behind Dobbs on the team's depth chart in 2018. The latter didn't impress in his limited opportunity last year, however, going 6-for-12 with an interception across five games.