Steelers, Seahawks clash as both pursue playoff spots

12/27/2023 9:21:23 PM EST

For the third week in a row, the Seattle Seahawks don't know which opposing quarterback they will face.

That hasn't hampered the Seahawks thus far, as they posted back-to-back 20-17 victories to regain control of their own playoff fate.

When the Seahawks (8-7) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) on Sunday, they might face starter Kenny Pickett or longtime backup Mason Rudolph.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Rudolph will "have the ball" to begin the week and will start if Pickett's surgically repaired right ankle isn't sufficiently healed.

Rudolph threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-11 victory against visiting Cincinnati last weekend that snapped a three-game losing streak and kept the Steelers' playoff hopes alive.

It was Rudolph's first victory as a starter since 2019.

"I love to play," Rudolph said. "But that's out of my hands. I'll find out the marching orders as we go."

Said Tomlin: "I thought he did a really good job of being comfortable being himself, communicating with people regardless of the moments. I thought that showed the confidence that he has in himself, and I also thought that he remained aggressive throughout."

Pickett hasn't played since Dec. 3 against Arizona. He was limited in practice Wednesday along with safety Trenton Thompson (neck). The Steelers will be without linebacker Elandon Roberts (pectoral muscle), while safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee), running back Najee Harris (knee) and offensive guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder) also missed practice.

The Steelers will need victories at Seattle and Baltimore (12-3), along with help from other teams, to make the AFC playoffs.

For the Seahawks, backup Drew Lock rallied the team past visiting Philadelphia and ailing Eagles starter Jalen Hurts on Dec. 18 to snap a four-game skid. Seattle traveled to Tennessee last Sunday as starter Geno Smith (groin) returned from a two-game absence to beat the Titans and their backup Ryan Tannehill.

Both Seattle victories came on last-minute touchdowns.

"I'm thinking just like last week," Smith said of his mindset on the Seahawks' final drive against the Titans. "Drew did a great job last week, and we had a chance to match it this week. As I'm going out there, I'm not thinking about anything else besides the situation."

The victory, combined with Minnesota's loss, moved the Seahawks into the final NFC wild-card spot.

"We'll find out what happens if we're fortunate enough to make the playoffs, how we play against whomever we play and we'll see what the heck happens," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said on his weekly radio show.

The Seahawks might be without linebacker Jordyn Brooks (ankle), who aggravated an injury he first suffered in Week 14. He was one of 10 players to miss practice Wednesday, a list that also includes running back Kenneth Walker III (shoulder, illness), wide receiver Dee Eskridge (ribs), offensive tackle Jason Peters (foot), tight end Noah Fant (knee), defensive ends Mario Edwards (knee) and Dre'Mont Jones (shoulder) and linebacker Nick Bellore (knee).

Safety Jamal Adams (knee) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (hip) both returned to practice on a limited basis after missing multiple weeks and could be ready to go. Also limited were wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba (knee) and Jake Bobo (knee) and offensive guards Anthony Bradford (elbow) and Damien Lewis (neck).

--Field Level Media

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