Mason Rudolph put up the numbers in the preseason that cast him as the favorite to be the Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback.
On Monday, the designation became official.
Rudolph said that offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner informed him before practice that the second-year quarterback from Oklahoma State will be Ben Roethlisberger’s backup. Third-year quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who was the No. 2 quarterback last year, drops to No. 3.
“It’s a chance for me to help our team, not that Ben needs any help, but for Randy and the staff, I’ll try to be another mind to push in the same direction and make sure we have a good game plan,” Rudolph said after practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Rudolph took snaps with the second team in practice as the Steelers began preparations for the season opener Sunday at New England.
Rudolph completed 28 of 43 passes for 368 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the preseason. He had a 65.1 completion percentage and 113.3 passer rating. Dobbs completed 18 of 33 passes for 280 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He had a 54.5 percent completion percentage and 57.6 passer rating.
Rudolph said the biggest difference being the No. 2 quarterback will be taking first-team snaps on the days that Roethlisberger rests. Roethlisberger typically has a reduced workload on Wednesdays during the season.
“That will be something to look forward to,” Rudolph said, “because you go from training camp every day getting a ton of reps to getting weaned down. That will be something to motivate yourself, then just to know you’re one play away.”
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