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There likely won’t be an official report on the status of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph until Mike Tomlin’s press conference Tuesday at noon. But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t good news coming from the team’s headquarters on Monday when players gathered to have meetings, watch film, etc.
To the shock to many, Rudolph arrived at the team’s facility and was in the locker room with teammates, and by all accounts he seemed to be his usual self.
Just see what was spread over Twitter when player availability started on Monday:
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph walked through the Steelers lockerroom a few times just now and looked good. He remains in concussion protocol and off limits to media
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) October 7, 2019
Mason Rudolph just walked in and out of the locker room, looks the same as he ever was. Can’t talk to him while in the protocol. Teammates say he feels good.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) October 7, 2019
Mason Rudolph greets reporters as he strolls through the locker room. He seemed to be in good spirits after taking the helmet to helmet hit from Earl Thomas yesterday. He did not do interviews.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) October 7, 2019
Mason Rudolph just walked through the locker room with a little hop in his step. Good news for sure.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) October 7, 2019
As you see above, media are not permitted to speak with any players in the NFL concussion protocol, but the fact Rudolph was in the facility is a huge positive for the young quarterback.
Whether he attended meetings and watched film is unknown, but him being at the facility, and not told to stay home, shows he isn’t dealing with some of the common symptoms associated with a concussion. Some of those would include sensitivity to light, debilitating headaches and loud noises triggering headaches.
No one knows if Rudolph will even be able to play in Week 6 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, but as of now the news surrounding Rudolph is positive. The fact he was released from the hospital Sunday and told to go home, and then reporting to work on Monday shows Rudolph seems to be on the track back to the lineup at some point. When that will be is anyone’s guess.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they prepare for Week 6 this Sunday on Sunday Night Football.