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Cam Heyward Stands Up for Veteran QB: “Give Him More Snaps”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)

PITTSBURGH (CafeX) — Two weeks into the preseason, one win and one narrow loss, and a familiar voice inside the locker room has spoken up. Veteran captain Cam Heyward believes quarterback Mason Rudolph deserves more time on the field.

So far, Rudolph’s role has been limited. In the opener against the Jets, he barely saw action. In Week 2 versus Tampa Bay, he completed 3 of 5 passes for 46 yards with one touchdown and one interception. A small sample that hinted at promise, but far too little to settle his place in the quarterback room.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Heyward made his case directly: “Enough with the five-snap looks. Mason’s been here since 2018 — he’s a veteran. If we’re serious about competition, then let him actually compete. You can’t judge a quarterback off scraps.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

In Pittsburgh, Cam Heyward’s words carry weight. His push for Mason Rudolph isn’t only about one preseason stat line — it’s about fairness, competition, and respect for a veteran who has worn black and gold since 2018. For Rudolph, the challenge is simple: if the snaps come, he must make them count.

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