Rudolph putting Steelers first following benching: 'I will be ready'

Mason Rudolph isn't starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers anymore, but the quarterback hasn't lost his first-string attitude.

The second-year signal-caller made his first eight career starts in 2019 before being benched for Devlin Hodges after struggling against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. But Rudolph is taking his demotion in stride.

"You handle it with a good attitude, with a team-first attitude," Rudolph said, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I can only control how I react and how hard I prepare, knowing that I'm one play away. I'm going to support the guy, knowing that this is a crazy game and you've got to be ready when your number is called. I will be ready, for sure."

Rudolph took the reins during the Steelers' Week 2 matchup after veteran Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury. In nine appearances this year, the 24-year-old completed 61.6% of his passes for 1,636 yards and 12 touchdowns against nine interceptions.

Despite likely watching Sunday's much-anticipated clash against the Cleveland Browns from the sidelines, Rudolph is confident he'll be given a chance to earn his spot back after speaking with head coach Mike Tomlin.

"He said this isn't his final decision, and any player wants a chance to play every week," the pivot said. "That's the way I'm going to look at it and continue to work and grow and learn from mistakes and continue to play well and practice hard."

The 6-5 Steelers face the 5-6 Browns two weeks after their game-ending brawl in Week 11.

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