ESPN: Steelers QB Mason Rudolph returns bef…

The Seattle Seahawks won’t have to deal with any guessing for who the opposing quarterback will be for Week 17’s crucial matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lumen Field on New Year’s Eve.

steelers vs seahawks
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin revealed Tuesday that Mason Rudolph will get the start in Seattle on Sunday after he powered Pittsburgh’s dominant 34-11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rudolph replaced Mitch Trubisky late in Week 15’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and has now done enough to earn his second straight start. In the win over the Bengals, Rudolph went 17 of 27 for 290 yards, two touchdowns and no picks.

Though the Steelers offense has been widely inconsistent this season, Rudolph helped Pittsburgh build some big-play momentum against the Bengals thanks to his connection with George Pickens, who was responsible for two long touchdowns and 195 of Rudolph’s 290 passing yards.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) celebrates following a sack against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at Lumen Field.
Seahawks Pass Rush Posts Big Numbers in Win vs. Titans
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The Seahawks defense has played well in back-to-back games, but the secondary will need to get a bit healthier against a Steelers passing offense that’s building confidence. However, Seattle’s pass rush had six sacks in Sunday’s 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. If they Seahawks can post similar numbers against the Steelers, Rudolph might not have the time in the pocket necessary to put on a repeat performance of last week.

Seattle and Pittsburgh will kickoff from Lumen Field on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT.