The Pittsburgh Steelers published their latest “Asked and Answered” segment, responding to fan questions about the team’s recent preseason performance, roster decisions, and NFL rules.
One question addressed Mason Rudolph’s performance in the preseason opener against Jacksonville. The response explained that Skylar Thompson was named Player of the Week because he played more snaps and led several scoring drives. As stated, “Thompson quarterbacked the offense in 6 of its 9 possession over the course of the game, and in those he completed 20-of-28 (71.4 percent) for 233 yards, with 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a rating of 132.0. In those 6 possessions, the Steelers scored 3 touchdowns and a field goal and converted 6-of-9 on third downs in what ended up being a 31-25 victory.” The answer also noted: “Also considered (was) Mason Rudolph, who started at quarterback and completed 9-of-10 (90 percent) for 84 yards, with 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, and a rating of 135.0.”
Regarding offensive lineman Dylan Cook’s chances of making the team or starting, it was clarified that Cook is currently listed as a backup right tackle behind Troy Fautanu. He played more offensive snaps than any other Steelers tackle in the preseason opener. The response stated Cook is expected to make the initial roster but will serve as a backup due to starters Broderick Jones and Fautanu being recent first-round picks.
Another question concerned Will Howard’s status given his injury limiting preseason play. The answer indicated it would be surprising if Howard were waived this preseason; if he cannot play much due to injury, he may be placed on injured reserve.
A fan asked about replay assist calls during games after an incident where roughing the passer was called via replay assist but another penalty was not. The reply cited information from operations.nfl.com explaining that instant replay can now advise officials on certain objective aspects when there is clear video evidence. For the upcoming season, replay assist has expanded to include input on specific fouls such as roughing the passer based on hits to the head or neck area.
Questions also covered sideline procedures for alerting players when to take the field during transitions between offense, defense, and special teams. It was explained that assistant coaches communicate personnel groupings based on plays sent by coordinators Arthur Smith (offense) and Teryl Austin (defense), while special teams transitions are less frequent but follow similar processes.
On how preseason matchups are determined, it was clarified that while the NFL sets schedules for all teams each year—including consideration of team requests like annual finales with certain opponents—coaches rarely coordinate player matchups for evaluation purposes during these games.
Lastly, regarding Coach Mike Tomlin’s comments about both punters being “varsity,” it was suggested that NFL general managers base trade decisions on their own evaluations rather than solely on coaches’ public statements.
