OTA’s

Austin said he would start practicing at DE

Eventually he would practice at NT

He did play NT

He played poorly

Since 6 has me on ignore he will probably repeat this

https://steelersdepot.com/2025/09/d...ins-why-yahya-black-isnt-playing-nose-tackle/

https://steelersdepot.com/2025/12/c...ose-tackle-knocked-off-the-ball-way-too-much/

 

I understand this line of thinking. However, Mason had a chance to win us a game last year in relief of Rodgers and didn't. If McCarthy truly believes that Howard is capable of being in the game and winning at the NFL level, then why not just roll with him as the #2? We have to make the best QB room possible. Does keeping Mason guarantee us wins in those games? We may have more confidence in him because he's won an NFL game before and Howard hasn't, but if the coach thinks that Howard gives us just as good a chance to win as Mason, then its a no brainer. Go with the guy that can still develop.

 

Mason Rudolph has lost 6 of his last 7 NFL starts and at 30 years old he better hope one of the other 3 QB'S get injured or he won't make the team.

 

Probably because they saw how bad he was at NT

 

Rudolph played well enough to win against the Bears. That early INT was as much on Metcalf's weak effort. The defense crapped the bed. Ramsey was abused at safety.

 

Some things are predictable

 

I don't want to discount that he was on a terrible team in Tennessee, so those losses mean a bit less to me... He's only started 7 games in Pittsburgh since 2019 and has gone 3-4 (with all 3 wins to end the season in 2023). I'm not a hater or hyper for Rudolph, but the reality is that he's still very replaceable. Simply having won in the NFL before doesn't mean that he should automatically be the back up because we are "trying to win".

Rudolph has been a good soldier. I don't question his effort or desire... though, he can be passed by. If one or both of our young guys look as good or better, then it is what it is. I won't lose sleep if we drop Mason in 2026.