Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad quarterback Trace McSorley (4) Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers cut practice squad QB before playoffs

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 1/9/24

The Steelers cut one of their quarterbacks on Tuesday afternoon in light of the announcement that Mason Rudolph would start for Pittsburgh in their wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills.

The Steelers elected to go with Rudolph because he has the hot hand, leading the team to the playoffs by winning four straight games. The move effectively benches former first-round pick Kenny Pickett.

Pickett has been sensitive to media coverage of his new role as the backup quarterback with the Steelers. One can’t blame Pickett, who lost the starting job after sustaining an injury. Being benched during must-win games would be embarrassing for any first-round pick who wants to be the franchise quarterback.

With a quarterback room of Pickett, Rudolph, and Mitchell Trubisky, the Steelers released Trace McSorley from the practice squad.

The #Steelers released QB Trace McSorley from the practice squad.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 9, 2024

The Steelers signed McSorley in December as Pickett dealt with a high-ankle sprain. Now that their quarterback room is healthy, Pittsburgh must not need McSorley’s services. The sudden move by the Steelers leaves the team with no quarterback on the practice squad.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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