Steelers WR Johnson wants Rudolph to start over Trubisky if Pickett is out
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson said Thursday he'd like to see third-stringer Mason Rudolph start at quarterback over backup Mitchell Trubisky if Kenny Pickett is unavailable for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
"Yeah, I want to see him play," according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
"I know he's ready to play. I know it's probably in the back of his mind like, 'Dang, when I'm going get my chance?' I feel like this week is it for him. I know he's going to do everything it takes to be prepared this week, get ready for Sunday."
Pickett's status is uncertain due to a concussion suffered in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The first-round rookie got his first taste of NFL action in the second half of Pittsburgh's Week 4 game against the New York Jets and has started every game since.
Trubisky, who signed a two-year deal in free agency, began the season as the starter before eventually losing the role to Pickett. Trubisky struggled in four starts this year, completing 59% of his passes for 653 yards and two touchdowns to two interceptions. He entered the game versus the Ravens after Pickett went down and tossed three picks.
Johnson and Trubisky had a heated exchange early this campaign, with the veteran signal-caller reportedly calling the receiver out in the locker room before his second-half benching against the Jets. Johnson apparently yelled at Trubisky to throw him the ball more, and Trubisky stood up to confront him.
"Whoever's at quarterback, they have got to be prepared as well," added Johnson, who's yet to catch a touchdown in 2022. He leads his club with 67 receptions for 647 yards.
"They've got to be on their stuff just like me. I'll make sure I talk to (Pickett) to see if he's cool or whatnot. But no matter who it is, I'm, I'm going to be ready. Don't matter who's throwing the balls, as long as you're making the play on the ball at end of the day."
Rudolph's been inactive every game this season. The 27-year-old has made 10 starts since entering the NFL as a third-round pick in 2018, including one last year.
The 5-8 Steelers currently sit third in the AFC North.