Steelers place QB Mason Rudolph on injured reserve

The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed quarterback Mason Rudolph on the Reserve/Injured List ending his 2019 season.

Rudolph started eight games for the Steelers and 2019 in the absence of Ben Roethlisberger. Dealing with injuries himself, Rudolph missed the Steelers Week 6 game due to a concussion. Rudolph’s other two appearances on the season were in Week 2 coming off the bench for an injured Rothlisberger and last week against the New York Jets when he replaced an ineffective Devlin Hodges. But after only 33 snaps, Rudolph left the game with a left shoulder injury.

While Rudolph was technically 5-3 as a starter, two of his games he did not complete. On the season, Rudolph threw 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions completing 176 passes on 283 attempts.

With Rudolph’s 2019 season over, Devlin Hodges is set to lead the Steelers huddle the rest of the way. Quarterback Paxton Lynch who has been on the 53-man roster since Week 6 looks to be active on game day as the back up.

Rudolph’s replacement on the 53-man roster is center J.C. Hassenauer who has been promoted from the practice squad. With Maurkice Pouncey leaving last Sunday’s game one snap before Rudolph’s injury, the Steelers may need an additional center for Week 17. With only one week remaining in the NFL season, bringing in another quarterback to the active roster only to be inactive on game day may not be necessary for the Steelers.

Hassenauer was added to the Steeler’s practice squad when Patrick Morris was promoted to the 53-man roster due to the suspension of Maurkice Pouncey following the Week 11 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Upon Pouncey’s return, Morris was claimed off of waivers by the Denver Broncos. Hassenauer player collegiately at the University of Alabama and was a member of the Birmingham Iron of the Allegience of American Football League.

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