Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has ruled out quarterback Kenny Pickett against the Bengals on Saturday, and officially named Mason Rudolph as the starter. Pickett, who underwent “TightRope” surgery on his right ankle less than three weeks ago, returned to practice this week with limited participation. On Monday, Tomlin said that the door was “ajar” for Pickett to play against Cincinnati, but after Thursday’s practice he ultimately ruled out the second-year quarterback.

Tomlin also announced that Mitch Trubisky, who started each of Pittsburgh’s past two games in place of the injured Pickett, would serve as Rudolph’s backup Saturday against Cincinnati. Rudolph said that his teammates were “excited for me” and added that he was excited to “put my hand in the pile and go fight for a victory.”

Rudolph has not started a game since the 2021 season; he last started in Week 10 of the 2021 season against the Lions, when he passed for 242 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 16-16 tie.

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