Key Highlights
- His season has been marked by his customary efficiency, but a late-season injury against the Bengals forced the spotlight onto the security blanket waiting on the bench. That security blanket is Mason Rudolph, who returned to the Steelers in 2025 after a one-year stint elsewhere.
- The veteran backup — who had previously authored a late-season winning streak that propelled the Steelers into the playoffs — remained a steady presence throughout the year.
- When Rodgers was sidelined, Rudolph stepped in and managed the offense, reinforcing the team’s confidence that they are well-insulated against the catastrophe of a star quarterback’s absence. While Rodgers is the franchise's heartbeat, Rudolph’s history in the organization, combined with the presence of rookie Will Howard, means the Steelers' confidence rests on a surprisingly deep and reliable foundation. Here's more on the quarterback room behind the NFL legend. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFFS:SN's expert predictions for NFL playoffs, Super Bowl 60Full NFL playoff scheduleUpdated NFL playoff bracketWild-card picks, predictionsNFL playoff power rankings, 1-14Who is the Steelers backup quarterback?The Steelers' primary backup is Mason Rudolph.
- Rudolph returned to the Steelers on a two-year deal in March 2025 after spending a season with the Titans, a move that brought back a familiar and trusted presence to the quarterback room behind Rodgers.
- Rudolph is valued by the organization for his proven ability to keep the team competitive when called upon. Rudolph was required to step into the starting role when Rodgers exited a Week 11 victory over the Bengals with a wrist injury.
