Steelers to start Rudolph in Week 16 vs. Bengals

Mason Rudolph will be the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback on Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Mike Tomlin announced.

Tomlin also added that Kenny Pickett could be available this week, according to team reporter Dale Lolley. The Steelers will prepare for their Week 16 matchup with Rudolph as their starter and Pickett as an option if he can be ready following ankle surgery earlier this month.

Pittsburgh will bench Mitch Trubisky, who started the past two games. Trubisky was pulled in favor of Rudolph in the Steelers' 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts this past weekend after throwing two interceptions. The 2017 first-round pick tossed two touchdowns and three interceptions in his past two outings.

Rudolph will begin a game under center for the first time since Week 9 of the 2021 season. Pittsburgh's posted a 5-4-1 mark with the 28-year-old as its starter. The Oklahoma State product has passed for 2,369 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in his career.

The Steelers are looking to find a spark amid three straight losses as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.