Steelers' Mike Tomlin says Devlin 'Duck' Hodges will start vs. Jets

Duck season will be extended for one more week.

Devlin Hodges will get the start at quarterback Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly press conference.

Hodges threw a career-worst four interceptions in the Steelers’ 17-10 home loss to the Buffalo Bills, but Tomlin said the undrafted free agent deserves a chance to show improvement Sunday against the New York Jets.

“I look forward to giving him an opportunity to rebound,” Tomlin said. “I think it’s reasonable to expect growth from young players as they get exposure. Sometimes that exposure can be negative exposure like the last game, but exposure nonetheless is a tool for growth, particularly at the quarterback position.”

The start will be the fifth this season for Hodges and the fourth in a row since he replaced Mason Rudolph at halftime Nov. 24 at Cincinnati.

Hodges completed 23 of 38 passes for one touchdown and four interceptions against Buffalo, increasing his season total to six.

“I think it’s reasonable to expect him to learn from those experiences from last Sunday night and apply it to the next opportunity and hopefully not make those same mistakes twice,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin said Hodges won’t be on a short leash against the Jets.

“I do not anticipate or plan for failure,” he said.

Tomlin said tight end Vance McDonald remains in concussion protocol. McDonald did not play against Buffalo.

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has missed the past four games with a knee injury, will be given a chance to practice this week. Tomlin listed Smith-Schuster and McDonald as questionable.

Here is some of what Tomlin had to say at his press conference:

Tomlin on whether he has short leash for Duck: "I do not anticipate failure."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 17, 2019

Tomlin said Steelers had issues in blitz pickup from the running backs. Thinks a "more stable division of labor" will allow "us to be more stout in that area."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 17, 2019

Tomlin on Hodges: "There needs to be growth and development."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 17, 2019

"It's reasonable to expect him to learn from those negative experiences. ... and not make those same mistakes twice." -- Tomlin on decision to start Hodges.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 17, 2019

Tomlin said Devlin Hodges will start again at QB against the Jets

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 17, 2019

Tomlin said protection and guarding of the football "is first and foremost" of importance.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 17, 2019

Mike Tomlin: "Buffalo made more plays on the defensive side of the ball that we did."

Said it was significant when Steelers didn't get points after turnover in first half.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 17, 2019

Ten minutes from Tomlin press conference where he hopefully will tell us whether it's Duck or Mason starting against the Jets.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 17, 2019