The Pittsburgh Steelers are still searching for the official heir to Ben Roethlisberger. Now, Head Coach Mike Tomlin stated that the three-way battle between Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph will not fall until after the final preseason game against the Detroit Lions

Munich/Pittsburgh – Traditionally, actually, the final preseason game in the NFL is used to give second- through fourth-string players a chance to compete for final roster spots.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, however, handle it differently: There, in the last preseason game against the Detroit Lions all players will play whose starter’s position is not yet secured.

That also applies to the position of quarterback.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Trubisky, Pickett or Rudolph? Decision on Monday

“A lot of the spots are going to be up for grabs on the last play, that’s what it’s going to come down to,” Head Coach Mike Tomlin reported at Monday’s media roundtable at Training Camp.

But it’s not just the game itself that the veteran coach is weighting highly. “The whole week of training sessions at the stadium will be weighted higher than the previous ones. It will set the tone for a lot of players,” Tomlin said.

For now, Mitch Trubisky might have the edge. The former Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears playmaker started the first two preseason games and completed nine of his 15 passes for 123 yards.

Rookie Kenny Pickett, however, is putting on some serious pressure. Not only did he get more playing time, he was the better quarterback. The man who went to college in Pittsburgh can boast 19 of 22 carries for 171 yards and three touchdowns. “I don’t care about the QB competition for now. If I get the chance, I’m going to give it my all,” Pickett said diplomatically.

Meanwhile, Mason Rudolph, who played well early in camp and received praise from offensive coordinator Matt Canada, has only outside chances.

Against the Detroit Lions, all three pass rushers should get their snaps.