Mason Rudolph is hoping to be back in action for the Steelers by the end of the month.
According to ESPN, which cited an unidentified source, the second-year quarterback will try to be back on the field in Week 8 return after entering the concussion protocol last week.
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph is eyeing a Week 8 return to the lineup, per source, planning to be cleared from concussion protocol as team comes off bye and prepares for the Dolphins on Monday Night Football, assuming no unexpected setbacks.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 14, 2019
Rudolph was knocked unconscious by Ravens safety Earl Thomas in Pittsburgh's overtime loss to Baltimore in Week 5 and there was no timetable for his recovery. Thomas was eventually fined $21,000 for the hit, though he appealed the sanction.
Rudolph resumed workouts in pads and a helmet with the scout team just three days later, but was later ruled out for Week 6 against the Chargers.
Mason Rudolph looked sharp in his return to the practice field for the first time since Sunday. He remains in concussion protocol for the remainder of the week. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/1xuHeulpuj
— Chase Williams WPXI (@chasepwilliams) October 9, 2019
The short-staffed Steelers enter their Week 7 bye with a morale-boosting victory after third-string quarterback Devlin Hodges won his first career start Sunday night against the Chargers. ESPN noted it was just the fifth time over 26 games in franchise history that the Steelers won a road game with a quarterback making his inaugural start.
Hodges completed 15 of 20 passes for 132 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while star running back James Conner had his first game with both a rushing and receiving touchdown to help carry the offense before exiting in the third quarter with a quad injury. He totaled 119 scrimmage yards before leaving the game.
The Steelers (2-4) will next face the winless Dolphins in Week 8 action.