Mitch Trubisky to start preseason opener for Steelers; Rudolph, Pickett to follow

For the first time since 2014, Mike Tomlin will start the No. 1 quarterback on his depth chart in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener.

Tomlin announced Thursday that Mitch Trubisky will start Saturday night when the Steelers face the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. Trubisky likely will play one quarter along with the other members of the first-team offense.

Mason Rudolph is expected to be the second quarterback used and likely play through the third quarter. First-round draft pick Kenny Pickett is scheduled to play the fourth quarter, but Tomlin said his “template” could change based on game circumstances.

“There aren’t going to be hard lines,” Tomlin said. “We’ll do what feel is appropriate. Our goal is to come out of this game giving everybody an opportunity to show what they are capable of and gain a better understanding of their play.”

It has been eight years since Tomlin used his starter — Ben Roethlisberger — in a preseason opener. But with the Steelers experiencing a three-game preseason for the first time and Trubisky being a newcomer to Matt Canada’s offense, Tomlin has adjusted his philosophy.

And that decision was welcomed by Trubisky, who was worked with the first-team offense almost exclusively in training camp.

“I want to see our in-game operation and get a bunch of reps,” Trubisky said. “Coach has got a plan, so we have to trust it.”

Trubisky started the first and second preseason games last year in Buffalo when he was Josh Allen’s backup. He attempted only eight passes in the regular season, so he is looking to build some chemistry with the Steelers playmakers.

“Good execution, hopefully score some points,” Trubisky said when asked of his goals for Saturday night. “Move the ball, clean operation, be good in situational play and be healthy.”

Tomlin said he hasn’t ruled any players from appearing in the opener, but it’s a safe bet running back Najee Harris will be a bystander. He hasn’t practiced since Aug. 1. Tight end Pat Freiermuth and wide receiver Chase Claypool recently returned from injuries, and wide receiver Diontae Johnson has missed the past few practices.

“We haven’t really had the offense at full strength yet,” Trubisky said. “It’s tough. You wish you’d be getting reps with those guys, but I know those guys are locked in mentally and paying attention in meetings. Once they are full go physically, hopefully we’re hitting on all cylinders.

“You want the reps with those guys and hopefully they get back soon because we’re going to need everyone healthy.”

Based on Tomlin’s decision to have the second-teamers play the middle two quarters against Seattle, Rudolph stands to get the most snaps of any of the three quarterbacks.

“I’d love to play the whole game, but that’s not the setup of the preseason, and I have understood that since Day 1 of my rookie year,” Rudolph said. “Whatever I get, I will be excited about, and I will plan to lead the guys down the field.”

Rudolph and Trubisky each have worked with the second-team in training camp, and Tomlin has been pleased with what he’s seen from the quarterbacks who are competing to unseat Trubisky as the starter.

“They are doing what we’re asking them to do,” Tomlin said. “They are taking care of the ball, moving their units. They are doing the unofficial things that come with the quarterback position — like leadership. They are doing a nice job.”

Pickett will get his first taste of an NFL game environment, although he’ll be doing it in a familiar setting given his experience playing at the former Heinz Field during his five seasons at Pitt.

“This guy hasn’t been in a live pocket yet,” Tomlin said. “None of these quarterbacks have, and that component of it is significant. In terms of play, the ability to operate, make plays in a timely manner and an ability to absorb punishment — that comes with the game and position.

“It’s a big opportunity for him and others.”