Mike Tomlin: Mason Rudolph 'gave us a chance to win' in 1st start of the season for Steelers

Mason Rudolph got most of the snaps with the first-team offense in practice, so he was prepared to play when coach Mike Tomlin called Saturday night and said he would be starting Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Rudolph was pressed into duty for the Pittsburgh Steelers when starter Ben Roethlisberger tested positive for covid Saturday night.

In his first start of the season and 10th of his career, Rudolph completed 30 of 50 passes for 242 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Steelers’ 16-16 tie against the previously 0-8 Lions.

“He did what we expected him to do,” Tomlin said. “He gave us a chance to win, but that’s not the first opportunity for him. This guy has been at it for a while, so we expected him to play well, and we thought he gave us a chance to win.”

If Roethlisberger remains on the reserve/covid list for a full 10 days, Rudolph would be in line to start again next Sunday night at the Los Angeles Chargers.

Rudolph was preparing to attend team meetings Saturday when Tomlin relayed the news regarding Roethlisberger’s diagnosis. Rudolph met with offensive coordinator Matt Canada and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan to go over the gameplan.

Not much was changed as evidenced by Rudolph attempting 50 passes on a cold, rainy day at Heinz Field.

“It was good to have a quarterback meeting and a walk-through to kind of get yourself mentally acclimated and ready to rock,” Rudolph said.

Roethlisberger, meanwhile, remained at home while the Steelers conducted final preparation. Tomlin said Roethlisberger was symptomatic for covid. He became the first Steelers player this year to be played on the reserve/covid list.

“We tested him. He was positive,” Tomlin said. “We’re thoughtful about distancing him from the group anyway in an effort to protect him.”

With Roethlisberger missing two days of practice because of a shoulder injury, Rudolph worked with the first team Wednesday and Thursday.

“It’s always good when you can get as many reps as you can during the week to stay sharp, make the most of those,” Rudolph said. “A lot of other guys around the league don’t get that work as a backup, so I look forward to those days.”

Rudolph led the Steelers to a touchdown on their first possession of the game, but the Steelers got only three field goals from Chris Boswell the rest of the way. In the final seconds of overtime, the Steelers were trying to get Boswell in position to kick a fourth before tight end Pat Freiermuth lost a fumble at the Detroit 38.

The Steelers lost two fumbles in overtime, and Rudolph threw an interception in the first half — the first by the Steelers in five games. Rudolph also dealt with a handful of high snaps from rookie center Kendrick Green, one of which sailed over his head for a 19-yard loss in overtime.

“There are things you change, but obviously there are some throws I’d like to have back,” Rudolph said. “The weather affected everybody out there a bit, but you’ve got to find a way to get it done and we didn’t. I’ll take a look and try to fix those mistakes.”