Mason Rudolph signs baby of Steelers fan after win over Seahawks
Most NFL fans did not have 2023 ending with Mason Rudolph leading the Steelers to a victory over the Seahawks, but that’s exactly what the former third-round pick did on Sunday night. After the win, the 28-year-old backup quarterback was asked to sign the baby of a Steelers fan at Lumen Field, which he did gladly. He etched his name with a Sharpie onto the child’s No. 22 Najee Harris jersey.
Going 18-for-24 on Sunday, Rudolph posted the highest completion percentage so far in his five-year career with the Steelers. He threw for 274 yards and helped lift Pittsburgh over Seattle on the road for just the second time in franchise history, despite not throwing for a touchdown in the game.
Even if Rudolph doesn’t continue on as the Steelers’ starter for the final game of the 2023 regular season, he will have given the team the fighting chance to make it to the postseason.
Rudolph’s game on Sunday raises questions about who Mike Tomlin should start for the final game of the 2023 regular season. To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Steelers must beat the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. If they can secure that win, then they’ll need some additional help.
The Steelers head coach wasn’t eager to make any decision at quarterback immediately after the game on Sunday. He told reporters the team is focused on the victory, at least for the next 24 hours.
“Right now we’re just appreciative of the victory and we’ll give you guys something to buzz about here for the next 24 or so,” Tomlin said.
The head coach will address the media for his weekly press conference at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. In the last two weeks, Pittsburgh has decided on who to start early in the week. That may not be the case this week considering Kenny Pickett‘s updated health status.
Steelers have opportunity to clinch playoff spot in Week 18
The biggest thing for the Steelers heading into Week 18 is a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Without the win in the final week of the season, the team has hardly any chance to make the playoffs.
The Steelers’ playoff-making scenarios are as follows:
1. Steelers win and Indianapolis-Houston tie or
2. Steelers win and Buffalo loss or
3. Steelers win and Jacksonville loss/tie vs Tennessee or
4. Steelers tie and Indianapolis and Houston do not tie and Jacksonville loss or
5. Steelers lose, Indianapolis and Houston do not tie, Jacksonville loss and Denver win.