The Steelers love Mason Rudolph and have faith in him. How much faith, though, is up for debate.
Rudolph, who starred at Oklahoma State, will make his first career NFL start Sunday when the Steelers (0-2) visit the 49ers (2-0). After star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger underwent season-ending elbow surgery Monday, the Steelers handed the keys to Rudolph, hoping the 2018 second-round draft pick will be able to resuscitate their season.
While Rudolph's arm talent is undeniable, the Steelers are accustomed to having an offense that can put up points at will. As such, their "expectations" for the offense under Rudolph's direction, at least in the early going, have been tempered internally, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported Sunday.
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On Sunday at Levi's Stadium, Rudolph will have to rely on running back James Conner, wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and college teammate James Washington to make plays against a 49ers defense that has been stout in the first two weeks of the season.
Just because expectations reportedly are "tempered," though, doesn't mean the Steelers lack faith in the young gunslinger, and the team doesn't believe its season is lost just because Roethlisberger is done, per La Canfora.
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Losing Roethlisberger is a huge blow, but Rudolph has the talent to win games. That's why the Steelers traded for slot corner Minkah Fitzpatrick, who will make his debut Sunday against the 49ers. They believe in Rudolph's ability and planned for him to take over for Big Ben someday.
San Francisco 49ers
The faith in Rudolph is there, but his first test against Robert Saleh's 49ers defense won't be easy.