Mike Tomlin updates Steelers QB plan with Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph

The Pittsburgh Steelers had to — pun intended — call an audible on Saturday when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tested positive for COVID-19. There’s a chance he returns this week against the Los Angeles Chargers, but coach Mike Tomlin said the plan is to focus the offense on backup Mason Rudolph.

Roethlisberger is fully vaccinated, so he needs to be asymptomatic for 48 hours and test negative twice 24 hours apart to be available on Sunday. Tomlin told reporters Tuesday morning that the plan will be to build the game plan around Rudolph. If Roethlisberger can play, he’ll jump into the Rudolph-centric system.

“Like I told the team yesterday in the team meeting and I’ll tell you guys [the reporters], we’re going to build our plan around getting Mason ready to play,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “We’re going to highlight his talents and skills relative to the opponents that we intend to play. We’re going to build that plan, we’re going to work that plan, we’ve got a young offensive unit, and we’ll let that lead us throughout the week.

“If we get to a point in the week when Ben has an opportunity to get on a moving train, that’s exactly what he’ll do. He’ll be capable of executing the game plan. I really have no reservations about that. … As we come out of the gate tomorrow laying down the foundational things for the week, rest assured that we’ll be focusing our energy on readying Mason Rudolph and highlighting what he does and what the group does with him.”

Mike Tomlin provides updates on TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick

Tomlin also had updates on two other injured Steelers during his press conference: linebacker TJ Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Watt suffered knee and hip injuries against the Lions on Sunday, according to ProFootballTalk. Tomlin said Watt could play through the injuries even though other players probably wouldn’t, which shows how tough he is. Keeping him the lineup would be huge. He’s second in the NFL in sacks with 12.5, 0.5 away from Cleveland’s Myles Garrett.

Tomlin also said Fitzpatrick probably won’t be able to come back from COVID-19 list by Sunday’s game, meaning Pittsburgh’s defense would take another hit.

The Steelers are coming off a 16-16 tie against Detroit on Sunday, moving them to 5-3-1. They’re getting ready to take on the Chargers on Sunday Night Football this week. Kickoff for that game is coming up Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.