Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in their Week 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens. It’s unclear if Pickett will be ready to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, but star wide receiver Diontae Johnson has a clear request if Pickett is not able to go.
Johnson was asked on Thursday who he wanted to play if Pickett was unable to go, and he voiced his support for third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph to play over Mitch Trubisky.
“Yeah, I want to see him play,” said Diontae Johnson via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor when asked if he wanted for Rudolph to get a chance. “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.”
Trubisky certainly struggled in his relief appearance on Sunday against Baltimore, throwing three interceptions in the game.
Rudolph had been the primary backup to former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from 2019-2021, but Pittsburgh decided to go in another direction for the role with Trubisky this offseason.
While Rudolph is undoubtedly nothing special in terms of talent, he could give the Steelers a far more conservative option instead of Trubisky, who has struggled with turnovers in his appearances for the team this year.
[ESPN.com]
