The Pittsburgh Steelers will get an extended look at Will Howard and Drew Allar in Friday night’s second preseason game. Aaron Rodgers will get another rest day, and Mason Rudolph will join him on the sideline. After a solid showing Thursday night, head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters he saw what he needed to see from Rudolph. It’s a little surprising to see Rudolph getting a rest day, but McCarthy has previously made it clear he wants to give the less experienced quarterbacks plenty of reps. It’s also no mystery Steelers fans want this as well.

Rudolph spoke to the media this week and was asked about this. He told Tim Benz of Tribune Live that he is rooting for the young quarterbacks and praised them. Rudolph also shared that he understands what the fans want while also admitting to some envy.

“I’m very aware that the fanbase is starved for a franchise QB. People want to have hope for the future beyond this year. We’ve got two great QBs who are young and progressing. I really am jealous of the structure they have had and this program and this QB-grooming system the way that Coach McCarthy has done it because I feel that they have made a lot of strides. I’ll be rooting for them on Friday.” Benz reported on X.

Rudolph the kind of leader a quarterback needs to be

If any quarterback has been dealt a tough hand since entering the NFL, Rudolph certainly fits the bill. His early career in Pittsburgh included plenty of struggles, inconsistent opportunities and the infamous concussion incident against the Baltimore Ravens in 2019.

Still, Rudolph has continued to work, control what he can control and put himself in position to contribute whenever his number is called. His return to Pittsburgh this offseason also brought a different version of the quarterback, one with considerably more experience and a better understanding of what it takes to lead a team.

That growth has shown up throughout training camp. Rudolph has embraced his role, helped the younger quarterbacks and consistently handled himself like a veteran who understands the bigger picture.

Has Rudolph secured the QB2 job?

Rudolph receiving a veteran rest day creates more questions than answers about the Steelers’ quarterback competition. If McCarthy believes he has seen enough from Rudolph, perhaps the veteran has already done what he needed to do to secure the QB2 job.

However, the decision could also be about giving Howard and Allar an opportunity to make a stronger case. With both young quarterbacks expected to receive extended playing time Friday, the Steelers could be giving themselves a better evaluation of what each can offer.

Rudolph may have the experience edge, but Howard and Allar still have an opportunity to raise the stakes. Friday could provide an important glimpse into whether the Steelers view Rudolph as the clear No. 2 quarterback or whether this competition remains open.