Report: Steelers' Hodges to start Week 17, Rudolph out multiple weeks

The Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff hopes rest on the right arm of Devlin Hodges.

Quarterback Mason Rudolph is expected to miss Sunday's must-win game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a left shoulder injury, so the team will start Hodges as it attempts to clinch a wild-card spot, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rudolph is out multiple weeks, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, meaning Hodges will remain the starter if Pittsburgh is able to make the postseason.

Paxton Lynch will serve as Hodges' backup.

Hodges started the last four games for Pittsburgh but was benched for Rudolph in Week 16 after throwing two first-half interceptions in the loss to the New York Jets.

Rudolph, who initially replaced Ben Roethlisberger when the veteran was lost for the season in Week 2, suffered the injury while throwing a touchdown to cut New York's lead, which forced the Steelers to reinsert Hodges.

The undrafted rookie has thrown for 968 yards and five touchdowns to eight interceptions in seven appearances this season. Four of Hodges' interceptions came in a Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

In addition to a Houston Texans win against the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh needs to beat the Ravens to secure the final wild-card place in the AFC. With the No. 1 seed clinched, Baltimore could rest its starters.

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