The Week 17 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers just added a different layer of intrigue. Pittsburgh announced on Tuesday that starting QB Ben Roethlisberger will not play, but instead will be replaced by backup Mason Rudolph.
While it’s a great advantage for the Browns to face Rudolph, it will no doubt change the national media storyline for the game. You will not be allowed to forget what happened last year when Rudolph faced the Browns and Myles Garrett, not at all.
From a football standpoint, it’s validation of the notion that the Steelers are resting some regulars in order to save them for the postseason. The Browns are playing for much higher stakes; win and they are in the postseason for the first time since 2002. Playing against Rudolph instead of Roethlisberger emphatically increases the chances for that to happen.
Rudolph has thrown four passes in four games in 2020 in relief of Roethlisberger. Expect the Steelers to announce other veterans will not play in Week 17, too.
