The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, and one of the biggest takeaways is that veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph currently holds the edge in the competition for the No. 2 quarterback spot.
While depth charts released before preseason games often come with a disclaimer that they are unofficial, they still provide a glimpse into how the coaching staff views the roster at this stage of training camp. Rudolph being listed ahead of the other backup quarterbacks suggests he has earned the early trust of head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Rudolph’s familiarity with the Steelers organization is one of his biggest advantages. After spending several seasons in Pittsburgh before a brief stint elsewhere, he returned with a strong understanding of the team’s culture, expectations, and offensive system. That experience has allowed him to settle into training camp quickly, while younger quarterbacks continue adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
The veteran also has a proven track record of stepping into meaningful games when needed. Although he has primarily served as a backup throughout his career, Rudolph has started multiple NFL games and shown he can manage an offense under pressure. His late-season performances during the 2023 campaign, when he helped guide the Steelers into the playoffs, remain fresh in the minds of coaches and fans alike.
Being listed as QB2, however, does not guarantee Rudolph will hold the position throughout the preseason. The Steelers still have several exhibition games remaining, giving every quarterback an opportunity to impress. Preseason performances often play a major role in determining the final depth chart before Week 1.
The coaching staff will evaluate more than passing statistics. Decision-making, command of the huddle, accuracy, pocket awareness, leadership, and protecting the football are all critical factors in choosing a backup quarterback. Since the No. 2 quarterback is only one play away from entering a regular-season game, reliability is often valued as much as athletic ability.
For Rudolph, the challenge now is maintaining consistency. Training camp practices have shown flashes of his experience and confidence, but preseason games will provide a better measure of how he performs against opposing defenses. Strong outings could solidify his position, while struggles could reopen the competition.
The Steelers also benefit from having a veteran who understands the locker room and has built relationships with many teammates. Continuity can be especially valuable at quarterback, where communication and trust are essential. Younger players often look to experienced veterans for guidance during camp, adding another dimension to Rudolph’s value.
Mike Tomlin has repeatedly emphasized that roster decisions are based on performance rather than reputation. That means Rudolph cannot afford to become complacent despite his current standing on the depth chart. Every practice rep and preseason snap will continue to be evaluated.
As the Steelers move deeper into the preseason, the quarterback competition remains one of the team’s most closely watched storylines. For now, Mason Rudolph has established himself as the frontrunner for the backup role, but the race is far from over. If he continues to perform with the same poise and efficiency that earned him the early edge, he will be well-positioned to open the regular season as Pittsburgh’s trusted QB2 behind the starting quarterback.
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