In a bid to ignite their season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have turned to quarterback Mason Rudolph, who is poised to make his first start in nearly two seasons. Rudolph expressed his readiness and confidence ahead of the matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, emphasizing his determination to contribute to the team's success.

Having been selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft, Rudolph made his first career start in Week 3 of the 2019 season following Ben Roethlisberger's season-ending elbow injury. Although Rudolph faced a turbulent stretch, including being benched in favor of Devlin "Duck" Hodges during a game in Cincinnati and being involved in a brawl with Myles Garrett in Cleveland, he emerged resilient.

Reflecting on his past adversity, Rudolph acknowledged the challenges he faced, both on and off the field, and highlighted how these experiences have shaped him as a player and a leader. Despite limited playing opportunities in the subsequent years, Rudolph showcased his potential in a 2021 tie against the Detroit Lions and an appearance against the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Rudolph's fellow teammate, wide receiver Diontae Johnson, praised the quarterback for his unwavering determination and described him as someone who brings grit to the team. Johnson expressed his confidence in Rudolph's ability to lead the offense and emphasized the importance of rallying around him.

While head coach Mike Tomlin has not officially named Rudolph the starter for the upcoming game, he acknowledged the possibility of Kenny Pickett returning from ankle surgery, leaving the door slightly open for competition. However, Rudolph took the majority of first-team reps during practice and expressed his focus on seizing the opportunity.

Looking ahead, Rudolph emphasized the need to play smart and make calculated decisions on the field. He stressed the importance of moving the chains and scoring points while being mindful of not being reckless with the football. Rudolph aims to take what the defense gives him, find the open receiver, and maintain a smooth rhythm throughout the game.

With the Steelers hoping to reignite their season, Rudolph's start against the Bengals provides an opportunity for him to showcase his growth as a player and offer a fresh spark to the team. As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Rudolph as he leads the offense with the goal of securing a much-needed victory.

Overall, Mason Rudolph's resilience and determination, coupled with his past experiences and improved skill set, position him to make a significant impact as he prepares to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cincinnati Bengals.