Steelers QB OK after big hit

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Mason Rudolph, who was knocked out during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Pittsburgh, spent Sunday night at his home after being sent to and released from a local hospital.

On Monday, he ambled through the Steelers locker room, a welcome sight less than 24 hours removed from a harrowing collision with Baltimore safety Earl Thomas that left the second-year quarterback lying unconscious on the Heinz Field turf.

Rudolph’s upbeat appearance drew a collective sigh of relief from his teammates. Though he remains in the concussion protocol, the big-picture outlook for Rudolph’s recovery reportedly looks promising.

Rudolph was hit in the face mask by Thomas after throwing a pass to wide receiver James Washington during the third quarter. Rudolph immediately went limp and crashed to the turf. He did not move for several minutes during the Steelers’ 26-23 loss in overtime.

The Steelers’ medical staff had to remove Rudolph’s face mask while attending to the quarterback. Rudolph eventually regained consciousness and sat up before getting up to his feet with the help of teammates and the Pittsburgh training staff. Rudolph slowly walked to the sideline and into the locker room after the cart that was brought out to transport him apparently malfunctioned.

Thomas was called for roughing the passer and could be facing a fine.

—Bulletin wire reports