The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a massive matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 at Acrisure Stadium. Riding a three-game losing streak, there will be a lot on the line for the Steelers on Saturday when they take the field against their AFC North rivals.

Unfortunately for them, they will be doing it without their starting quarterback. Kenny Pickett, who was injured in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals, has officially been ruled out by head coach Mike Tomlin, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The Steelers won’t be turning back to their original backup, Mitchell Trubisky, to start. Instead it will be Mason Rudolph under center against the Bengals in what is essentially a must-win game for the team.

Pickett has been dealing with an ankle injury that he suffered in the first half of the team’s loss to Arizona. He under went a procedure for the injury that week and hasn’t been able to get back on the field since.

NFL News & Rumors: Mike Tomlin, Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers Updates

Trubisky had started against the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts in the following two games, both losses. Rudolph took over late in the fourth quarter after Trubisky threw his second interception of the game against the Colts and will now be starting in Week 16.

This is the first start for Rudolph, a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, since 2021. Before his three pass attempts last weekend against Indianaapolis, the 2021 season was the last time Rudolph played in a regular season game.

In his career, the Oklahoma State product has appeared in 18 games, making 10 starts. He has found mild success, going 5-4-1 in those games while completing 61.5 percent of his passes for 2,369 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

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