Mason Rudolph’s banged-up left shoulder will prevent him from playing in this Steelers’ regular-season finale Sunday in Baltimore. Rudolph took over for Duck Hodges in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Jets and led the Steelers comeback to tie the game at 10, but he was injured in the third quarter of the game, and Hodges had to come back in. Hodges is slated to start Sunday with former Broncos number-one draft choice Paxton Lynch ready to be the backup.
Running back James Connor had an MRI on his injured thigh yesterday and told reporters his status is uncertain.
There was no word on the status of center Maurkice Pouncey, who went down with a knee injury on Sunday. Expect an update from Coach Mike Tomlin when he conducts his weekly news conference this afternoon.
The Ravens have clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs, so they say they will rest quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Mark Ingram, guard Marshal Yanda, defensive tackle Brandon Williams, and safety Earl Thomas. Robert Griffin III will start at QB, with Penn State rookie Trace McSorley possibly getting some time on the field as well.
Sunday’s game is at Baltimore. The Steelers are averaging only 18.6 points per game, and if they fail to score 30 points, it will be the first season since 1971 that they failed to score 30 points in at least one game.
With a win over the Ravens and a Titans loss to Houston, the Steelers would make the playoffs at 9-7. The Texans still have a chance to get the number-three seed and Coach Bill O’Brien says his starters will play, even though they will know by kickoff whether or not they have a chance to pass the Chiefs for the three-slot.
