In a surprising move, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Monday that Mason Rudolph will get the opportunity to start at quarterback this week. The decision comes after the team's recent struggles to generate enough points on offense, prompting Tomlin to make a change in order to ignite the team's performance.

Rudolph, a veteran backup who has been with the Steelers since being drafted in the third round in 2018, has previous starting experience. In 2019, he led the team to a 5-3 record in games he started, filling in for the injured Ben Roethlisberger.

The last time Rudolph started a game was on November 14, 2021, when he replaced Roethlisberger who was sidelined due to testing positive for COVID-19. In that game against the Detroit Lions, Rudolph completed 30 of 50 passes for 242 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception in a 16-16 tie.

Tomlin expressed his confidence in Rudolph, highlighting his toughness, competitiveness, and belief in himself. The coach believes that Rudolph's calculated risk-taking mentality can benefit the team in their current circumstances.

However, there is still a possibility that Kenny Pickett, who has been out due to injury, could be cleared to return for this week's game. Pickett suffered an ankle injury during the team's loss to the Arizona Cardinals on December 3. He underwent surgery and has been rehabbing since then. Tomlin mentioned that Pickett's availability for this week is not out of the question, but the focus will primarily be on Rudolph.

Tomlin also revealed that the Steelers have been dealing with a shortage of safeties. Damontae Kazee, who was involved in a hit on Indianapolis wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. during the Steelers' game on Saturday, has been suspended for the remainder of the season. His hit was deemed a serious violation of the league's playing rules. In addition, Minkah Fitzpatrick suffered a knee injury in the same game, leaving the Steelers without their two starting safeties.

With Fitzpatrick ruled out for this week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers will have to rely on backup options, including Elijah Riley and Eric Rowe. Riley, who had been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, is eligible to return, while Rowe is currently on the practice squad.

The focus for the Steelers this week is to snap their three-game losing streak and secure a much-needed victory. Coach Tomlin emphasized his concentration on the upcoming game rather than looking at the bigger picture.

The Steelers' matchup against the Bengals, which could feature Rudolph as the starting quarterback, will be crucial as Pittsburgh fights to keep their playoff hopes alive.